Whether you follow the solstice, Ke Ala Polohiwa A Kanaloa, or January 1 Gregorian calendar, the times they are a changing. Now is the time for us all to reset, start anew, be hopeful, and look forward. Looking forward however does not mean forgetting the past. For many of us we look to the past in order to move forward. Whatever way you like to look at it, we each have an opportunity to set aside this time to reflect on what has occurred and to look forward to the possibilities yet to come.
My screen saver says, "Spend more time on duplicating what works rather than dwelling on what is broken." Something to ponder on.
December 27, 2011
December 21, 2011
'O Kanaloa, 'o Lonokapao me Kaneikawaiola
O Kanaloa, o Lonokapao me Kaneikawaiola.
A fine morning to wake up to today. It rained most of the night on and off, the sky was cloudy just during sunrise, but as the daylight grew so did the appearance of the sun. It is now sunny with blue skies and puffy clouds. Indeed a time for all three gods to gather; Ke Ala Polohiwa A Kanaloa, Lonoikamakahiki, and Kaneikawaiola. E ola no, ea!
A fine morning to wake up to today. It rained most of the night on and off, the sky was cloudy just during sunrise, but as the daylight grew so did the appearance of the sun. It is now sunny with blue skies and puffy clouds. Indeed a time for all three gods to gather; Ke Ala Polohiwa A Kanaloa, Lonoikamakahiki, and Kaneikawaiola. E ola no, ea!
December 19, 2011
Ke Ao Polohiwa A Kanaloa
We are in that wonderful season of Lono where the environment is alive with wind, rain, gushing streams and crashing seas. It is great to see and experience that around us.
Ke Ao Polohiwa A Kanaloa is also upon us. Also known by others as the winter solstice and is the time when the sun reaches it furthest travel toward the south and will begin is journey back toward the north. The days will begin to get longer as the sun moves toward Ka Piko O Wakea. Whether you mark the date on Wednesday December 21 or Thursday December 22, go out and greet the sun in the morning. When the first edge of the sun reaches the horizon until the bottom edge clears the horizon, join us in welcoming Kanehoalani. E Kanehoalani e, e Kanehoalani e, aloha kaua.
Ke Ao Polohiwa A Kanaloa is also upon us. Also known by others as the winter solstice and is the time when the sun reaches it furthest travel toward the south and will begin is journey back toward the north. The days will begin to get longer as the sun moves toward Ka Piko O Wakea. Whether you mark the date on Wednesday December 21 or Thursday December 22, go out and greet the sun in the morning. When the first edge of the sun reaches the horizon until the bottom edge clears the horizon, join us in welcoming Kanehoalani. E Kanehoalani e, e Kanehoalani e, aloha kaua.
December 6, 2011
Feed Me
Mac Application.
I just learned about a new Mac application called Feed Me that teaches Hawaiian in a very elementary and simple way. It looks like it was originally designed for children but it works for beginners to learn in a very fun way. You can always pretend it is for a child and use it for yourself. Seems to be only on the Mac platform right now but if anyone sees something similar for a Droid, let us know. FEED ME, a name that I can relate to.
I just learned about a new Mac application called Feed Me that teaches Hawaiian in a very elementary and simple way. It looks like it was originally designed for children but it works for beginners to learn in a very fun way. You can always pretend it is for a child and use it for yourself. Seems to be only on the Mac platform right now but if anyone sees something similar for a Droid, let us know. FEED ME, a name that I can relate to.
November 23, 2011
To See...
Now that the Makahiki season is here and will officially start this weekend, it is a great time to get outside and "see" our environment. It is alive with wind, waves, rain, gushing rivers, and flourishing plants. Take some time to be in it and experience it.
My new way to "see" is through photography. I'm not very good at it but I want to get better. I am finding that through photography I am slowing down, I am looking more closely at things, I'm thinking about light and balance, and I'm taking the time to go outside. These are all good things to do in my busy life.
As one of my photography teachers said, "it is a good way to get to know your home." I plan to do that.
My new way to "see" is through photography. I'm not very good at it but I want to get better. I am finding that through photography I am slowing down, I am looking more closely at things, I'm thinking about light and balance, and I'm taking the time to go outside. These are all good things to do in my busy life.
As one of my photography teachers said, "it is a good way to get to know your home." I plan to do that.
October 1, 2011
Losses are never easy
Over the last few months we have had so many losses in our hula and music community. Those people who have brought unending joy, created thrilling experiences, and through their music and dance were with us in the important times of our lives. We may have known them well, we may have known them a little, and we may have not known them personally at all. These same people truly seemed to reach into our minds and hearts and know just what to say.
They will always bring remembrances of wonderful times, sad times, exciting times, shared times, and alone times. They will always be friend, family, kumu, and those who have touched our lives. They will always be with us.
To all those who have been this and much more to each of us...aloha.
They will always bring remembrances of wonderful times, sad times, exciting times, shared times, and alone times. They will always be friend, family, kumu, and those who have touched our lives. They will always be with us.
To all those who have been this and much more to each of us...aloha.
June 30, 2011
Star Gazing
Summer is a wonderful time to go out in the evening and gaze at the stars. The sky is usually clear and there are many interesting things going on during the month of July. In the Hawaiian lunar calendar the month of Hinaia‘ele‘ele begins in early July.
A day for going outside for the Lahaina Noon or when your shadow is contained within your body is coming up. In Hawaiian culture, this is a very special occasion known as “kau ka lā i ka lolo” or “the sun is placed within the brain.” A time filled with mana. This occurs on July 18 @ 12:32 p.m. here in Kahului.
The Aquarid Meteor Shower is at its peak during the night of July 28-29. So stay up late on July 28, go to a place with no ambient light, and watch them fall. The total active time of the meteor shower will be from July 18-August 18 with up to 20 meteors per hour. The viewing should be okay from Hawai’i but the better view will be in the southern hemisphere.
June 26, 2011
Hula and Competition
In general I think hula competitions are good. They prepare a dancer and a halau to a level of accomplishment that may not be achieved when doing ho'ike alone. The focused energy, time, and commitment to learning and perfecting the hula for presentation is time well spent. The in-depth learning of mele, poetry, story, and place bring life to the dance. The comraderie of the dancers with their Kumu when preparing for the competition is priceless.
When healthy competition takes a wrong turn is when people forget to leave the competition on the competition floor. Yes, if you feel you did a fantastic job in your performance then it doesn't matter what the judges think you have accomplished. Yes, you want to win because it validates all the hard work. After all you don't enter a competition if you don't want to compete. But one day or night, one or two dances, do not determine your worth as a Kumu, a dancer, or a halau. That is determined by the days, nights, weeks, and years of passion and love for hula and Hawaiian culture.
So, congratulations to all who take the time and effort to bring your hula to your highest level of perfection. It can only be good for us all.
When healthy competition takes a wrong turn is when people forget to leave the competition on the competition floor. Yes, if you feel you did a fantastic job in your performance then it doesn't matter what the judges think you have accomplished. Yes, you want to win because it validates all the hard work. After all you don't enter a competition if you don't want to compete. But one day or night, one or two dances, do not determine your worth as a Kumu, a dancer, or a halau. That is determined by the days, nights, weeks, and years of passion and love for hula and Hawaiian culture.
So, congratulations to all who take the time and effort to bring your hula to your highest level of perfection. It can only be good for us all.
May 15, 2011
Educational success
What a wonderful weekend seeing Hawaiians accomplish what they desired. Graduating from local high schools, to Hawaiian Immersion, to the University and reaching the goals they set. We no longer accept past views of Hawaiians being uneducated and unable to make decisions. WE can and we are.
Whatever we want to do we can. We can get higher degrees, we can be business owners, we can have successful families, we can contribute to our communities, and we can reach our goals. We are Hawaiians and we are here to stay.
Whatever we want to do we can. We can get higher degrees, we can be business owners, we can have successful families, we can contribute to our communities, and we can reach our goals. We are Hawaiians and we are here to stay.
May 14, 2011
Summer approaches
As May winds down and the summer begins, life in Hawai'i becomes all that the local folks look forward to. There are beach days, camping days, visiting with 'ohana, and spending time with friends. The flowering trees have canopies of yellow plumeria, red lehua, delicate white kukui, and bushes of gardenia. The lychee will begin to ripen and the mango are not far behind.
The beaches become active with barbeques, boogie boards, and laughing children. Add the bamboo pole fishing when the oama run and there's something for everyone out there. There are many sunshining days and star studded nights to enjoy with falling stars. Enjoy all that summer has to offer.
The beaches become active with barbeques, boogie boards, and laughing children. Add the bamboo pole fishing when the oama run and there's something for everyone out there. There are many sunshining days and star studded nights to enjoy with falling stars. Enjoy all that summer has to offer.
April 17, 2011
The Most Giving People
Yesterday was Aloha Iapana and it was a night of absolutely wonderful entertainment and giving people. From the organizers, to the staff of the MACC, to the Emcees, to the stage crew, to the audience, to the volunteers, to the kumu hula and halau, and to the entertainers. A special mahalo to Napua Makua and Karey Oura Kapoi for their vision, hard work, and neverending energy. Everyone was there to assist in raising money for the devastation in Japan. A most worthy reason.
My thoughts today however are about the various entertainers who came to donate their time and talent to the cause. I believe Hawaiian entertainers and performers are the most giving people. They are often called upon to help many organizations and groups. Many of them willingly and often assist by lending their personal time. They bring their bands, hula dancers, voices, music, and willingness to kokua.
This is especially noteworthy because for many of them, it is their profession. It is how they make their living and it is how they are to the world. Unlike many of us who go to a daily job to be paid, many of these performers are paid sporadically so each time they perform, it it how they are financially supported. For them to donate their time and talent is such a gift of aloha on behalf of all of us.
So I say aloha and mahalo for all the Hawaiian entertainers and performers who give so willingly over and over again.
My thoughts today however are about the various entertainers who came to donate their time and talent to the cause. I believe Hawaiian entertainers and performers are the most giving people. They are often called upon to help many organizations and groups. Many of them willingly and often assist by lending their personal time. They bring their bands, hula dancers, voices, music, and willingness to kokua.
This is especially noteworthy because for many of them, it is their profession. It is how they make their living and it is how they are to the world. Unlike many of us who go to a daily job to be paid, many of these performers are paid sporadically so each time they perform, it it how they are financially supported. For them to donate their time and talent is such a gift of aloha on behalf of all of us.
So I say aloha and mahalo for all the Hawaiian entertainers and performers who give so willingly over and over again.
April 12, 2011
Hawaiian Learning
A century ago, Native Hawaiians were one of the world’s most literate population groups. Native people were navigators, scientist, explorers, lawyers, judges, statesmen, doctors, teachers, and writers. There were more than one hundred Hawaiian language newspapers in circulation expounding on local issues, government challenges, trade concerns, foreign relations, and international politics. Native people were vibrantly engaged in every aspect of public life. Early western explorers and traders who arrived at what became known as the Hawaiian Islands consistently described the Native people as strong, healthy, and robust. Historical records reveal that early Hawaiians were lovers of reading, mathematics, and science. The Native people’s enthusiasm and propensity for learning has been described in books, journals, and newspapers compiled by early educators.
Over the course of the next years those advancements were significantly eroded to alarmingly dismal statistics. Those statistics can be changed. Today we should have as a leading goal to reverse the tragic decline in academic achievement, to stimulate an inherent joy of learning, and to reconnect students and their families to their cultural legacy of exploration, inventiveness, and excellence. We need to enthusiastically engage children, youth and families in culturally based training and activities that will reawaken a natural enthusiasm for learning. It is our belief that when students are passionately involved in their learning and are supported by family and community, their likelihood of educational succes and seeking further education is significantly increased.
To this end we must support Hawaiian Language Immersion learning, Hawaiian Based Public Charter Schools, programs like Na Pua No'eau, and many others like it. We must create after-school and summer programs in which excellence in learning and a Hawaiian cutural base are the foundation. With these efforts our children's progress and achievements will be assured. Our future depends on it.
Over the course of the next years those advancements were significantly eroded to alarmingly dismal statistics. Those statistics can be changed. Today we should have as a leading goal to reverse the tragic decline in academic achievement, to stimulate an inherent joy of learning, and to reconnect students and their families to their cultural legacy of exploration, inventiveness, and excellence. We need to enthusiastically engage children, youth and families in culturally based training and activities that will reawaken a natural enthusiasm for learning. It is our belief that when students are passionately involved in their learning and are supported by family and community, their likelihood of educational succes and seeking further education is significantly increased.
To this end we must support Hawaiian Language Immersion learning, Hawaiian Based Public Charter Schools, programs like Na Pua No'eau, and many others like it. We must create after-school and summer programs in which excellence in learning and a Hawaiian cutural base are the foundation. With these efforts our children's progress and achievements will be assured. Our future depends on it.
April 5, 2011
Looking around
A recent conversation reminded me that there are many folks that go through their days and nights not looking and noticing the place we call home. Simple things like; what phase is the moon in tonight, or why don't you see the moon out tonight, or where is the sun rising from today, where is it setting tonight, or even what direction is the wind blowing.
Our kupuna were keen observers of their surroundings and knew every aspect of their environment. The numerous ways rain falls and the wind blows. The different characteristics of the ocean and all creatures and plants within it. What particular cloud formations meant and how it helped them predict weather. Not least of which was the keen understanding of the water cycle that allows all things to live.
We live on these very same islands, we see the very same sun, moon, and stars, they still are part of our lives. In these modern times we might think that these skills are old fashioned and have been replaced by scientific discoveries. But I think if we do not continue to be a part of our environment, we may make irreversable mistakes.
So, take a moment to look up at the heavens at the clouds, to watch the sun rise or set, to gaze at the ocean's many colors and movements, and to appreciate all that Hawai'i is. Then, once you have done that, teach someone else to do the very same thing.
Our kupuna were keen observers of their surroundings and knew every aspect of their environment. The numerous ways rain falls and the wind blows. The different characteristics of the ocean and all creatures and plants within it. What particular cloud formations meant and how it helped them predict weather. Not least of which was the keen understanding of the water cycle that allows all things to live.
We live on these very same islands, we see the very same sun, moon, and stars, they still are part of our lives. In these modern times we might think that these skills are old fashioned and have been replaced by scientific discoveries. But I think if we do not continue to be a part of our environment, we may make irreversable mistakes.
So, take a moment to look up at the heavens at the clouds, to watch the sun rise or set, to gaze at the ocean's many colors and movements, and to appreciate all that Hawai'i is. Then, once you have done that, teach someone else to do the very same thing.
April 1, 2011
Aloha kaua...
The passing of my friend Kumu Hula Akoni Akana has led me to reflect on lives we come in contact with. Those people who have made a difference in our lives. We all have them. They may not always be there, you may not always talk to them, but their influence has contributed to who you are today.
Once, we were all very young, we all loved hula and Hawaiian culture, and we all made Maui our home. A group of us who collectively were Na Kinimakalehua. We wanted to make a difference in our community, we wanted to find outlet for our collective creativity, and we wanted to have the rest of Hawai'i remember that Maui is here. Toward this end we would have overnighters where we talked, read, discussed, and did huaka'i. Where we let our minds wander to phrases like, "wouldn't it be great if...", or "how about...", or worse yet "let's do it!". Out of this grew stage productions, protest gatherings, passionate projects, and lifelong friendships.
For Akoni, his passionate project was Moku'ula. At the time everyone thought he was crazy to want to raise a long buried island in the middle of a baseball park in the middle of Lahaina. Many said it would never happen. Many were wrong. Akoni gave the remainder of his life to bring the glory back to Moku'ula. His dream will come to fruition and his legacy of passionate aloha for this place will remain with us all. Aloha dear friend...you will not be forgotten. Aloha kaua.
Once, we were all very young, we all loved hula and Hawaiian culture, and we all made Maui our home. A group of us who collectively were Na Kinimakalehua. We wanted to make a difference in our community, we wanted to find outlet for our collective creativity, and we wanted to have the rest of Hawai'i remember that Maui is here. Toward this end we would have overnighters where we talked, read, discussed, and did huaka'i. Where we let our minds wander to phrases like, "wouldn't it be great if...", or "how about...", or worse yet "let's do it!". Out of this grew stage productions, protest gatherings, passionate projects, and lifelong friendships.
For Akoni, his passionate project was Moku'ula. At the time everyone thought he was crazy to want to raise a long buried island in the middle of a baseball park in the middle of Lahaina. Many said it would never happen. Many were wrong. Akoni gave the remainder of his life to bring the glory back to Moku'ula. His dream will come to fruition and his legacy of passionate aloha for this place will remain with us all. Aloha dear friend...you will not be forgotten. Aloha kaua.
March 29, 2011
Long held sterotypes
One of my FaceBook friends recently posted a "tasteless" example of Native American culture. A storefront Indian at a Grand Canyon store with a colorful headdress made of candy. Not only was the candy headdress tasteless, the Sioux indians who wore the feather headdresses were not from the area. A double hit in commodifying a culture.
I am often faced with all the kitschy Hawaiian items found in ABC stores, Walmart, and every other tourist frequented store. How do "tiki gods" made of "lava stone" portray my culture? How do "warrior helmets" made of seeds portray my culture? How do "fishhooks" made of plastic portray my culture? What do coconut bras have to do with my culture? Where does it all end? In addition you can go to any swap meet in Hawai'i on any given Saturday and see "warrior helmets" with headdresses made of Rastafarian colors made by local folks, or Samoan carvers making "Hawaiian tikis" or "Hawaiian walking sticks". No offense to the carvers, just to the kitschiness of the items.
To some it is how things have always been, to others it's just funny, to some it's cute, but to me it continues the long held stereotypical images of Native Hawaiians as "happy natives" who don't mind any of this. None of these provide any real insight into Hawaiian culture, its traditions and values, its depth, or its sophistication. It becomes an uphill battle to change these sterotypes in great and little ways and to re-establish the importance of these cultural ideas and iconic images.
But one must pick their battles. I am not the culture police, I just do what I do. I choose to support that which is cultural and avoid that which is not. I choose to try to further Hawaiian education and culture. I choose to try to learn as much as I can about my culture. I choose to do this for the rest of my days.
What do you choose?
I am often faced with all the kitschy Hawaiian items found in ABC stores, Walmart, and every other tourist frequented store. How do "tiki gods" made of "lava stone" portray my culture? How do "warrior helmets" made of seeds portray my culture? How do "fishhooks" made of plastic portray my culture? What do coconut bras have to do with my culture? Where does it all end? In addition you can go to any swap meet in Hawai'i on any given Saturday and see "warrior helmets" with headdresses made of Rastafarian colors made by local folks, or Samoan carvers making "Hawaiian tikis" or "Hawaiian walking sticks". No offense to the carvers, just to the kitschiness of the items.
To some it is how things have always been, to others it's just funny, to some it's cute, but to me it continues the long held stereotypical images of Native Hawaiians as "happy natives" who don't mind any of this. None of these provide any real insight into Hawaiian culture, its traditions and values, its depth, or its sophistication. It becomes an uphill battle to change these sterotypes in great and little ways and to re-establish the importance of these cultural ideas and iconic images.
But one must pick their battles. I am not the culture police, I just do what I do. I choose to support that which is cultural and avoid that which is not. I choose to try to further Hawaiian education and culture. I choose to try to learn as much as I can about my culture. I choose to do this for the rest of my days.
What do you choose?
March 27, 2011
O'ahu A Lua
While watching the misty rain in the valleys of O'ahu I am reminded again of what a beautiful island O'ahu is. Many years ago I had the opportunity to ka'apuni O'ahu while accompanying the Hui Wa'a O Kaho'olawe. It was a moving time for me. To see an island from the sea is an amazing experience.
Much of that which twists us up in the daily interaction of any island, gets blurred when you are at sea. All that is seen are the mountains and beaches and basic lay of the land. The crazy streets, crowed centers, and teeming bodies all disappear. The land, sea and sky are amazingly clear and a great reminder of why we continue to live here.
So if you have an opportunity to go out to the edges of our island home, into the sea far enough to experience the bigger picture...do it more often. We should all try to do that at least once a year because our perspective will be heightened.
Much of that which twists us up in the daily interaction of any island, gets blurred when you are at sea. All that is seen are the mountains and beaches and basic lay of the land. The crazy streets, crowed centers, and teeming bodies all disappear. The land, sea and sky are amazingly clear and a great reminder of why we continue to live here.
So if you have an opportunity to go out to the edges of our island home, into the sea far enough to experience the bigger picture...do it more often. We should all try to do that at least once a year because our perspective will be heightened.
March 22, 2011
March 21, 2011
A Maui Day
It is still a typical Maui day in Kahului. The wind is a little blustery, the sun is out, the ocean looks fabulous and it's time for lunch. My new favorite place is the blue seafood lunch wagon at the harbor near the breakwater. There is a full array of trucks and tables to tempt you. I'm currently a slave of the panko crusted ahi plate with one scoop rice and extra salad. Try it, you'll like it.
March 20, 2011
Ka Piko O Wakea
Today is what is known in the western world as the vernal equinox. Here it is Ka Piko O Wakea. It is the time when the sun travels across the equator and the sun is in the center of its sky travel. Couple that with the moon being in perigee and we have an amazing celestial occurance. Go outside and enjoy the day and night, it is once in a lifetime event I think.
E Kanehoalani e,
E Kanehoalani e,
Aloha kaua.
E Kanehoalani e,
E Kanehoalani e,
Aloha kaua.
March 18, 2011
It's a beginning
Aloha and welcome to my attempts to learn more about blogging and keeping connected. This site will give me a chance to talk about cultural things, home things, and things that interest me about our home here on Maui and in Hawai'i. If you're willing to give it a whirl...so am I. Aloha
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)