Merrie Monarch Workshops

All workshop sessions cover a wide range of hula topics.  In order to continue to offer more educational enrichment programs, event programs will be by admission. Seating is limited and will be offered on a first-come first-served basis. Daily admission rates apply to the Center’s exhibit hall and its planetarium programs.

Tentative Schedule as of Jan. 6, 2012

Tuesday, April 10th: 10:00am – 11:00am
Nā Haumāna O Ke Kula ‘O Nāwahīokalani‘ōpu‘u Hawaiian Medium Education School
Puna Lei Onaona
The high school students of Nāwahī take the audience on an epic journey through Puna as they share the stories of the kupuna through mele, hula, and Hawaiian language oratory review.

Tuesday, April 10th: 12:30pm – 2:30pm
Nā Haumāna O Ke Kula ‘O Nāwahīokalani‘ōpu‘u Hawaiian Medium Education School
‘Au Kai ‘Imi Loa
The papa alaka‘i or senior class of Nāwahī created navigational history as they sailed Hōkūalaka‘i from O‘ahu to the Big Island in October, 2011 using the traditional Hawaiian language of our kupuna. These young navigators will share their unique experience through song, dance, and Hawaiian language oratory review.

Tuesday, April 10th: 7:00pm
Kuana Torres-Kahele
Kaunaloa
Kuana Torres-Kahele will share his newest collection of primarily original compositions showcasing his talent as a songwriter and impressive vocal ability as a solo recording artist. Kaunaloa, meaning 'to persevere', is Kuana at his best, providing a musical journey that will both enrich and excite the world of hula and Hawaiian music.

Wednesday, April 11th: 10:00 – 11:30 am
Kaumakaiwa and Kekuhi Kanahele
Welo
Kaumakaiwa, a five-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winner, is the eldest son of Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner, Kekuhi Kanahele.  Mother and son will grace the stage to share mele from their new album, soon to be released. Their performance will bring the true meaning of tradition and evolution to life.

Wednesday, April 11th: 1:00 – 2:30 pm
(Presentation TBC)


Thursday, April 12th: 10:00 – 11:30 am
Adrienne Kaeppler
Nā Momi Makamae
Adrienne Lois Kaeppler is an American anthropologist and curator of Oceanic Ethnology at the National Museum of Natural History at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Her research focuses on the interrelationships between social structure and the arts, including dance, music, and visual arts, especially in Tonga and Hawai‘i. This presentation will focus on our kupuna’s precious treasures that were showcased at the Smithsonian. Ms. Kaeppler brings our momi makamae (precious pearls) to life through her presentation.

Thursday, April 12th: 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Kainani Kahaunaele

‘Ōhai ‘Ula
Kainani Kahaunaele, the talented songstress, haku mele (composer) and Hawaiian language teacher will perform mele from her latest CD release, ‘Ōhai ‘Ula.  The impressive collection of new original mele depict ancestral practices, honor genealogies and storied locales, reveal deep romances, and offers up traditional and contemporary musical styles sure to please any music lover.  Kahaunaele’s debut CD, Na‘u ‘Oe, garnered three Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards in 2004 for Most Promising Artist, Hawaiian Language Performance, Female Vocalist of the Year, establishing Kainani as one of the most notable talents of her generation.

Friday, April 13th: 10:00 – 11:30 am
Kanaka‘ole Panel
Ka Welo Hula
Hālau O Kekuhi is a traditional classical dance company that can account for seven generations of family practitioners and leadership in the indigenous Hawaiian performing arts of hula and oli. The leadership of this dance company is transmitted through matrilineal succession from the beloved Aunty Edith to her daughters Nālani Kanaka‘ole and Pualani Kanaka‘ole Kanahele, the Kumu Hula of the Hālau O Kekuhi. We bring the Kanaka‘ole ‘ohana members together as a panel to discuss the importance of their lineage, Ka Welo Hula.

Friday, April 13th: 1:00 – 3:00 pm
The Hula Preservation Society in Collaboration with Hakipu‘u Learning Center
Honoring the Ancients
The Hula Preservation Society work in collaboration with the students of Hakipu‘u Learning Center and it’s founder, Calvin Hoe, in the creation, performance and process of four coveted hula implements that are not commonly seen in modern times. Three different hula lineages from Uncle George Nā‘ope, Aunty Nona Beamer, and Papa John Lake are perpetuated through these hula that are performed by the students of Hui Pulelehua.

 

‘Imiloa provides accommodations for accessibility for persons with disabilities.  For accommodations contact Jeff Harman, at 969-9705 or  email   jharman@imiloahawaii.org   ten business days prior to event.