This Saturday, June 14, marks the beginning of Hana No’eau, a new interactive cultural demonstration series which will take place in the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park.
To introduce the series, local cultural practitioners Bolly Helekahi and Patricia Gomez will teach participants how to use materials found in nature to create functional works of art. Helekahi will show visitors how to create flowers, bowls and other items using his personal technique for coconut leaf weaving. Gomez, the owner of Maui Feather Lei, will demonstrate and teach the delicate art of crafting feather leis.
All cultural practitioners participating as demonstrators in Hana No’eau were chosen through an application process by Haleakala National Park officials. The process was open to any interested residents. The demonstrations will be held by the Kipahulu Visitor Center between 1pm and 3pm.
“We are proud to offer this new series, which features Maui’s cultural practitioners and honors Native Hawaiian traditions,” said Park Superintendent Natalie Gates. “We appreciate the support of the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association, our non-profit partner, in funding this series.”
The purpose of this new series, as highlighted by Gates, is reflected in its name. Hana No’eau translates as “to demonstrate and honor the traditions of the Hawaiian people.” The demonstrations will continue to be offered in Kipahulu on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month, always between 1pm and 3pm.
A complete schedule for the lessons being offered during the summer months is as follows:
- June 14: Bolly Helekahi, Coconut Leaf Weaving; Patricia Gomez, Feather Lei Making
- June 28: Pi’ilani Lua, Ti Leaf Lei Making and Traditional Hawaiian Games
- July 12: Judy Kinser, Hula
- July 26: Pi’ilani Lua, Ti Leaf Lei Making and Ti Leaf Weaving
- August 9: Judy Kinser, Hula
- August 23: Pi’ilani Lua, Hawaiian Music
Call 808-248-7375 for more information or visit nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/things2do.htm.
Phot of Kipahulu: Michael Oswald/Wikimedia Commons
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