2011
Lecture: Kino Lau, Kino Mo’o: Shifting Shapes and Legendary Lizard Deities
August 25, 2011
Join Marie Alohalani Brown for a fascinating presentation that will explore kino lau, or the manifestation of Hawaiian (and Polynesian) deities and supernatural beings in physical forms such as plants, animals, and forms of land, sea, and sky. Learn more about the Hawaiian universe in terms of kino lau of the kini akua (the uncountable deities). A discourse on mo‘o (reptile-like Hawaiian water deities) will reveal that there are so many more kino lau associated with mo‘o than most people are familiar with, and many of their alternate forms are identified with other deities. While the more common mo‘o forms that come to mind are the lizard, brindled dog, and the goby fish, you will learn they are so much more than that! The audience will be offered some deeper insights into the entire kino lau system.
Alohalani hails from Mākaha, but her ancestral roots are in Ho‘okena, Kona. She is a mother of two and has traveled around the world, visiting more than 30 countries. Alohalani is a PhD student in the English department at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and is conducting archival research on John Papa ‘Ī‘ī for her dissertation. She received her M.A. in Hawaiian language in 2010. Her master’s thesis is the largest compilation of traditional and current information regarding mo‘o.
Workshop: Adult and Keiki Kapa Making
Saturday, August 6
Hale Wa‘a
Adults 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. $30 Members, $45 general
Keiki 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. $15 Members, $30 general
A special opportunity to gain hands-on experience with kapa making! Using traditional tools and methods, you will learn how to process and beat out wauke (mulberry bark) into the beginning stages of kapa. Then, explore the Hawaiian style of kapa printing by making your own simple ‘ohe kapala (bamboo stamp) and printing your designon a piece of Fijian masi (barkcloth). Finally learn about the process of gathering and processing plants to create colorful dyes before dying your own piece of beaten kapa.
Lecture: Kapa Making with Dalani Tanahy
Thursday, July 28, 2011, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Atherton Hālau, Bishop Museum
Tuition: Members free,$10 Non-members
Join Dalani Tanahy for a presentation of the intricate and fascinating art form of creating kapa (barkcloth). Explore the origins of Polynesian bark cloth, differences between Hawaiian and other Pacific tapa, reasons for the demise of Hawaiian Kapa, and its cultural resurgence. Dalani will also demonstrate the steps of making and printing kapa and share information about dye-making and designs.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Workshop: Creativity in Crafting Lei
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Atherton Hālau | Tuition: $25 Nonmembers; $10 Members
Appropriate for ages 10+, and family friendly. Bring your lei making materials and your creativity! After an introduction to basic lei making techniques, including the braiding of cordage, you’ll be turned loose to create your own lei using a wide variety of materials. Workshop participants should bring flowers, leaves, shells, nuts, seeds, feathers, or cordage to share. Supplemental lei materials will be provided. Led by Pā Ku‘i A Lua, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of the Hawaiian culture.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Lecture: Cultural Symbolism of Lei
with Richard Paglinawan
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Atherton Hālau | Tuition: $10 Nonmembers; Free for Members
As part of our daily culture, thoughts of lei immediately bring to mind vibrant, colorful images and sweet, floral fragrances. There is, however, a deep cultural significance and symbolism embedded within the creation and adornment of lei, as well as traditional protocols for their appropriate use. Crafted from a wide variety of natural materials such as seashells, leaves, flowers, seaweed, feathers, teeth, bone, ivory, hair, and seeds, a particular lei might be a gift of love or friendship, or signify important life moments – the birth or passing of a loved one, a mark of rank or prestige, or a dedication to the gods. The traditional presentation of lei along with a mele (song) or oli (chant) adds another element of cultural meaning to this powerful tradition. Richard K. Paglinawan is a respected Cultural Practitioner, ‘Ōlohe Lua, and Bishop Museum Board Member.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Lecture: Native Hawaiian healing
practices as described in the mo‘olelo
“The Epic Tale of Hi‘iakaikapoliopele”
as published in the Hawaiian language newspaper
Ka Na‘i Aupuni in 1906.
Kekuhi Kanahele
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Atherton Hālau, Bishop Museum
In the Hawaiian literature classic Hi‘iakaikapoliopele,
the goddess Hi‘iaka uses her healing powers to help
many people along her arduous journey from Hawai‘i
island to Kaua‘i to fetch Pele’s lover Lohi‘au. Kekuhi
Kanahele educator, cultural expert and kumu hula at Hālau O Kekuhi traces her family genealogy to Pele
and Hi‘iaka. She will talk about some of healing
practices described in this captivating epic.
2010: Culture and Change
Lecture: Perspectives: Hawai‘i and the Wider WorldJune 4, 2010
In celebration of the opening of Bishop Museum's new exhibition, E Kū Ana Ka Paia: Unification, Responsibility, and the Kū Images (June 5 – October 4, 2010), which has united Bishop Museum's Kū image with images of similar magnitude and history from the British Museum and Peabody Essex Museum inside Hawaiian Hall, this lecture featured three notable speakers: Jonathan King, Research Keeper of Anthropology at the British Museum, Dan Monroe, Executive Director and CEO of the Peabody Essex Museum, and Noelle Kahanu, Cultural Education Project Manager at Bishop Museum. These leaders shared insights into their important work with Kū, and led an active discussion about important museum issues raised by this unprecedented exhibition, including cultural identity, community responsibility, international collaboration, and cross-cultural dialogue. Participants then ventured into Hawaiian Hall for a preview of the exhibition.
Behind The Scenes Tour of KoAloha Ukulele Factory
May 1, 2010
Participants enjoyed a special behind the scenes tour of the KoAloha Ukulele Factory in Kalihi, regarded as one of the world’s premier ‘ukulele builders. Exploring the creation process started with learning about wood selection and cutting. Following that, participants got to view the shaping and assembly of an ‘ukulele. They explored the art and history of this beloved instrument and the art of its creation, where each ‘ukulele is meticulously and lovingly crafted by hand to achieve the perfect sound. Click here for a brief history on the ukulele.
Lecture: “Contemporary Uses of Traditional Hawaiian Objects”
with Nanette Napoleon
April 15, 2010
Many traditional Hawaiian objects, including gourds, jewelry, and weaponry have evolved over time for modern use. In a lecture, cultural specialist Nanette Napoleon traced the development of significant Hawaiian objects from their original functional forms to their current celebrated forms of contemporary Native Hawaiian art. Then, guests mixed and mingled with artisans Umi Kai (weapon making), Tammy Tavares (gourds), and Noa Napoleon (koa jewelry) to learn more about their crafts and the artistic process.
Workshop: First Steps in Lauhala Weaving
Saturday, February 6, 2010 | 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Led by Michael Kalanikini Naho‘opi‘i, a member of ‘Ulana me ka Lokomaika’i, with the kokua of other students of master weaver Aunty Gladys Grace, participants got a hands-on experience learning basic weaving techniques, creating their very own fan or bracelet.
Lecture: “The Legacy of Makaloa”
with Marques Marzan, Cultural Resources Specialist, Bishop Museum
and “Hawaiian and Fijian Weaving Traditions” with Selina Aina, Weaver
January 28, 2010
Hawai‘i’s history of plaiting illustrates a constant ebb and flow of cultural knowledge through time, from treasured gift during the 19th century to unappreciated object with the introduction of Western goods. Even through low periods in the weaving tide, the continuity and growth of the foundational techniques executed in traditional makaloa mats can be seen in the intricate patterns of lauhala hats. Marques Marzan is a cultural resources specialist and accomplished fiber artist at Bishop Museum. Following Marques’s talk, weaver Selina Aina of the Polynesian Cultural Center discussed Fijian and Hawaiian weaving traditions.
Fieldtrip: Nā Pōhaku o Hauwahine and Ulupō Heiau
October 10, 2009
Participants enjoyed an educational walking tour of two important cultural sites within Kawainui Marsh. They first visited the sacred Nā Pōhaku o Hauwahine, a rock formation of the Hawaiian mo‘o goddess and guardian of Kawainui Marsh. Ongoing restoration efforts in this area have revealed ancient Hawaiian terraces along the massive rock outcrops. Then, they proceeded to Ulupo Heiau, a sacred temple built by the first people, or menehune as a mapele (agriculture) heiau and dedicated to the god Kaneulupo. Click here for more information about the Ulupō Heiau.
Lecture: “Environmental Kinship: Hawaiian Conservation and Spiritual Values in Restoring the Health of Kawainui Marsh” with Chuck “Doc” Burrows
October 8, 2009
Kawainui Marsh, Hawai‘i’s largest wetland area, is a place of cultural and ecological significance. Each week, dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to remove invasive plants, open up channels in the marsh’s islets, and restore native plants and wetland birds to bring Kawainui marsh back to health. Caretaker and educator Chuck “Doc” Burrows gave an inspiring look at the cultural and ecological restoration of Kawainui Marsh, and shared the cultural, historic, and ecological significance of this special place. Click here to view a handout from the lecture.
2009: Mauka to Makai
Glass Bottom Boat ToursAugust 29, 2009
September 19, 2009
April 18, 2009
May 23, 2009
June 20, 2009
January 10, 2009
Over 120 Bishop Museum families enjoyed a two-hour glass bottom boat tour of Kane'ohe Bay aboard the Coral Queen. Historian Nanette Napoleon and Marine Education Rhonda Stewart discussed Kaneohe Bay's various land uses over time, fishponds, legends, marine life and ecology, and efforts to balance commercial usage of the land and the sea with preservation needs.
"Hawaiian oral tradition helps geologists understand 400 years of volcanic activity at Kilauea"
July 9, 2009
In recent years, volcanologists have begun to decipher Kilauea's active history of volcanic eruptions and have found remarkable correlations between volcanic eruptions described in the Hawaiian epic tale of Pele and Hi'iaka and the results of modern geologic research. These recent geologic studies confirm the essence of Hawaiian oral traditions and illustrate the potential value of examining other Hawaiian chants and stories for more information about past volcanic activity in Hawai'i.
“Shark Stories”
with Richard Paglinawan and Keith Kruger
January 8, 2009
Inside the captivating Megalodon: Largest Shark That Ever Lived exhibit for
a fascinating evening of shark stories. First, cultural practitioner and Bishop
Museum Association Council member Richard Paglinawan discussed the cultural
significance of sharks and shark stories to the Hawaiian people. Then, fossil expert and collector Keith Kruger explored the value of fossilized shark teeth and the stories they can tell us about shark physiology, diet, and lifestyle from fossil expert.
2008: Year of Hula
One of the strongest and most deeply rooted traditions in practice within the Hawaiian culture, hula has gained broad-based appeal over the years as an attractive expression of culture through words and dance. This complex series explored special topics within the discipline from a physical, spiritual, and creative perspective and through Bishop Museum’s unique and unrivaled cultural resources – sharing intimate cultural knowledge about the words and traditions behind the dance and the true depth of their meaning. The Museum also produced its first ever Hula Film Festival. Click here to view the Hula Film Festival lineup.
Workshop: Artisans at Work: The Creation of Ti Leaf Skirts
Richard Paglinawan, Ilima Stern, Huanani Kauka, and Cindy Wong
November 8, 2008
Workshop participants spent the morning learning about the evolution, significance, and usage of the ti-leaf skirt as part of hula’s rich history and the various styles of ti-leaf skirt used in hula, and then got hands-on, crafting the beginnings of their own skirt to finish at home.
Lecture: From Mele to Hula
Guest: J. Kimo Alama Keaulana
October 16, 2008
Lecture-goers explored the process involved in translating the words and meanings of mele and oli into movement through the senses of kumu hula J. Kimo Alama Keaulana, a noted leader in Hawai'i's cultural community.
August 30, 2008
Hawaiian poetical text is the foundation of chant, song, and dance. A teacher by trade and a poet by happenstance, Puakea Nogelmeier's credits include hawaiian-language scholar, translator, song writer, and kumu hula.
July 31, 2008
Hula is a rich and complex tradition. It’s graceful gestures are deeply rooted within immense depths of cultural wisdom, imagery, history, and intelligence. The “voice” of hula” was uncovered here to be the words and meanings behind the dance. Manu Boyd is the Cultural Director for the Royan Hawaiian Shopping Center at Helumoa, kumu hula of Hālau o ke ‘A‘ali‘i Kū Makani, and the leader and arranger forthe Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winning Hawaiian ensemble Ho‘okena.
April 24, 2008
Like all art forms, hula evolves over the years because of the creativity of its practitioners, and by studying various historical periods through hula, and consider how creative innovations reflect the needs and interests of the people at the time. Dr. John Charlot presented an engaging interpretation of the historical significance, pattern structure, and poetic form of the mele (songs) written for King Kalakaua, and how chanting and hula were adapted to reflect the changing political climate of the time. Dr. John Charlot is a noted University of Hawai‘i scholar, whose research on Hawaiian mele, oli, and stories has been based largely on the study of original source material.
February 16, 2008
In this workshop, intermediate and advanced students learned two different dances and how they are closely related – one kahiko and one ‘auana. Ka‘anohi Aipa has been the kumu of Ka‘anohiwaianuenue Hula Studio in Kailua for 27 years. Noelani Mahoe is a noted singer, songwriter and hula dancer.
January 31, 20008
Ethnobotanist Isabella A. Abbott explored the various uses of plants in hula, including their association with kino lau (the many forms taken by hula deities), related symbolisms, and plants of the kuahu hula (altar). Dr. Isabella A. Abbott is an internationally known Native Hawaiian ethnobotanist, cultural historian, Bishop Museum Board Member, and was designated a “Living Treasure of Hawai'i” in 2005.
Bishop Museum Hula Film Festival
February – November 2008
Ka Po‘e Hula Hawai‘i Kahiko (The Hula People of Old) [20 minutes, BW, VHS, 1974]
February 12, 2008
Many of the most well-known hula dancers and chanters of the early 20th century are featured in this outstanding compilation of original film footage shot in the 1930s. Among those featured are Nona Beamer, Joseph Ilala‘ole, Roe Kaimi La‘anui, Akoni Mika, Mary Kawena Pukui, and her mother Pa‘ahana, and Katherine Kanahele.
Credits: Producer: Vivienne Mader / Director & Narrator: Elizabeth Tatar, Bishop Museum / Production Coordinator: Cine-Pic Hawaii Corp.
The Hula of Old Hawai‘i[28 minutes, BW, 1943]
This rare film footage features Bishop Museum hula authority Mary Kawena Pukui and her daughters Pat (Bacon) and Pele (Suganuma) demonstrating traditional hula dance movements and chants. This footage was filmed by noted photographer George Bacon and is often studied by contemporary hula teachers and students.
Credits:Producer/Director: George Bacon / Bishop Museum Archives
Through Nāmaka’s Eyes: The Life of Patience Bacon
[70 minutes, Color, DVD, 2007]
March 11, 2008
This documentary focuses on the amazing life experience of one of Hawai‘i’s Living Treasures, Pat Bacon, daughter of preeminent Hawaiian scholar and hula master Mary Kawena Puku‘i. Bacon followed her mother as a researcher and hula authority at Bishop Museum. Rare archival footage, still photos and provocative interviews make this a historically significant, must-see film.
Credits:Produced by Kamehameha Schools, Ka‘iwakïloumoku Hawaiian Cultural Center / Executive Producers: Jamie Mililani Fong and Randie Kamuela Fong
Director: Jeff DePonte, jDesign
KUMU HULA: Keepers of a Culture
[85 mintues, Color, DVD, 1989]
April 12, 2008
In this film numerous kumu hula talk about hula from an historical perspective as well as from a personal perspective. Featured are Kalena Silva, John Dalire, Aloha Dalire, Hu‘i Park, John Kaimikaua, Chinky Mahoe, O’Brian Eselu, George Naope, Nina Maxwell, Kaha‘i Topolinski, Louise Beamer, Tita Beamer Solomon, Malama Solomon, Hulali Solomon Covington, Elaine Kaopuiki, Pua Kanahele, Nalani Kanaka‘ole, Etua Lopes, Roselle Bailey, Alicia Smith, Coline Aiu, Naleialoha Napaepae-Kunewa and Kawaikapu Hewitt. This film was part of the 2007 Annual Indigenous Film & Arts Festival in Denver, Colorado.
Credit Info:Producers: Robert Mugge and Vicky Holt Takamine / Director: Robert Mugge
Biography Hawai‘i: Maiki Aiu Lake
[60 minutes, Color, DVD, 2004]
May 13, 2008
Produced by Hawai‘i Public Television and the Center for Biographical Research, University of Hawai‘i-Mānoa for their “Biography Hawai‘i” series, this film tells the life story of one of Hawai‘i’s most important kumu hula from the 1940s to the 1980s. Her lifelong mission was to perpetuate the study of ancient hula, which she learned from master teachers ‘Iolani Luahine, Pua Ha‘aheo, Alice Namakelua, Vickie I‘i Rodrigues and Lokalia Montgomery. Mary Kawena Pukui was her mentor. Many graduates of Hālau Hula o Maiki, including Robert Cazimero, Mapuana de Silva, John Lake, Leina‘ala Heine and Kaha‘i Topolinski, have gone on to become well-known kumu hula in their own right.
Credit:Executive Producers: Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl, Joy Chong Stannard, Craig Howes / Director: Joy Chong-Stannard
[56 minutes, Color, DVD, 2003]
June 10, 2008
This film profiles three kumu hula living, working and perpetuating the hula in northern California. Sissy Kaio of Carson, Mark Ho‘omalu of Oakland and Patrick Makuakane of San Francisco talk about the challenges and rewards of teaching hula on the mainland and maintaining cultural pride and integrity. Although they come from different backgrounds and have moved to California for different reasons, they all share a deep and abiding love for the hula and the Hawaiian culture. This film was shown nationally on PBS, locally on Hawai‘i Public Television, and has won awards at numerous film festivals.
Credit Info:Producer: Lehua Films / Directors: Lisette Kaualena Flanary and Evann Siebens
Nā Kamalei: The Men of Hula
[60 minutes, Color, DVD, 2006]
July 8, 2008
This award winning film gives viewers a candid behind-the-scene look at Halau Nā Kamalei, under the direction of noted kumu hula Robert Cazimero as they prepare to compete in the 2005 Merrie Monarch Festival. Cazimero talks about his evolution as a hula dancer and as a teacher, and his students share their experiences within the halau and their feelings about being men hula dancers.
Credits: A co-presentation of Lehua Films, Independent Television Services and Pacific Islanders in Communications / Producer: Lehua Films / Director: Lisette Kaualena Flanary
Holo Mai Pele
[57 minutes, Color, DVD, 2004]
August 12, 2008
This is film version of the 1995 stage production of Holo Mai Pele, performed by members of Hālau O Kekuhi, under the direction of kumu hula Pualani Kanaka‘ole Kanahele and Nalani Kanaka‘ole The plot tells the tragic saga of the rivalry between Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of the volcano, her sister Hi‘iakaikapoliopele and their common affections for the handsome and brave Lohiau. Blending both traditional and contemporary dramatic forms, this play takes viewers on an emotional journey into mystical world of goddesses, demons and lovers. This film was shown nationally on PBS Great Performances “Dance in America.” A companion book was published in conjunction with the film.
Credit Info: A co-production of International Cultural Programming, Thirteen/WNET New York and Pacific Islanders in Communications / Co-Artistic Directors: Nalani Kanaka‘ole and Pualani Kanaka‘ole Punahele
KEEPERS OF THE FLAME: The Cultural Legacy of Three Hawaiian Women
[60 minutes, Color, DVD, 2005]
September 16, 2008
This film honors three monumental and inspiring Hawaiian women of the 19th and 20th centuries who were instrumental in keeping hula alive despite Western prohibitions and persecution. Mary Kawena Pukui, linguist and author; ‘Iolani Luahine, kumu hula and spiritualist; and Edith Kanaka‘ole, songwriter, kumu hula and educator, are each responsible, through their individual pursuits, for reviving the flame of traditional Hawaiian culture. This touching film explores, using rare archival and personal family footage, the roots of these women from rural Big Island childhoods to their larger than life impact on contemporary Hawaiian society. This film was the winner of the Best Documentary award at the 2005 Louis Vuitton Hawai‘i International Film Festival and was featured at the Pacifika New York Hawaiian Film Festival and the Pacific Rim Film Festival It was also broadcasted nationally on PBS.
Credits:The Hawaiian Legacy Foundation (www.hawaiianlegacy.com) / Director: Eddie Kamae / Producers: Myrna Kamae and Dennis Mahaffay[120 minutes, Color, Feature, DVD, 2006, Japanese with English sub-titles]
October 14, 2008
Based on a true story, this feature film’s heart-warming story is about a rural town in Japan that faces closure of its main economic source, a coal mine, which employs most of the town’s wage earners. Faced with this, the town’s leaders decide to build a “Hawaiian Paradise” theme park to attract tourist dollars. An aging hula star from Tokyo is hired to put together a troupe of female hula dancers that will perform at the park. A number of young girls are enthusiastic about learning hula and being a part of the center, but community pressure is strong and the girls and their teacher must face many challenges to reach their goal. This film earned several Japanese Academy Awards, including Most Popular Film, Best Picture, Best Director and Best Screenplay. The film’s music was written and played by Hawai‘i ‘ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro.
Credits:Viz Pictures / Producer: Hitomi Ishihara / Director/Writer: Sang-il Lee / Production Company: Cine Qua Non
Aloha From Paris
[63 minutes, Color, DVD, 2005, French and English]
November 11, 2008
Arnaud Dufour’s documentary film was made during the visit of Paris-based Hālau Hula O Mānoa to Hawai‘i in 2005 for the opening of the exhibition “Hawai‘i In Paris: The Art of Hula” at the Honolulu Academy of Arts. Most of the diverse works in the exhibit were done by artists over a four year period with dancers from the French hālau. During this period, hula became a source of inspiration and influence within the contemporary art world of Paris. Kilohana Silve, the kumu of the hālau, who is Hawai‘i born, spent 25 years teaching hula in Paris This film was shown on French television.
Credits: Producers:Arnaud Dufour, Sandra Kilohana Silve and Mercea Wolf / Director: Arnaud Dufour
The 2008 Hula Film Festival was coordinated by Nanette Napoleon and sponsored by Kamehameha Schools, Ka‘iwakiloumoku Hawaiian Cultural Center.