Lā Kūʻokoʻa at Kamehameha Schools Maui Upper Division Grade 6-8 brought haumāna from Maui and Kapālama, Kumu, & our lāhui together to celebrate our Independence Day with two weeks of Lā Kūʻokoʻa Tee-shirt making and education, culminating in a virtual live event with speakers sharing their ‘ike.

Lā Kūʻokoʻa was kicked off by Dr. Bruce Watson. Dr. Watson spoke of the importance of not just knowing the significance of that day but why it’s important to celebrate our holiday. Dr. Watson set the tone for the event; to celebrate and be heard, and our Kumu and haumāna responded by making this event memorable for all.

Haumāna were given opportunities to attend breakout zoom classes such as Mele and Hula where Kumu Hula Pueo Pata shared the significance of Hula and Mele practices during this time in our culture. Hawaiian feather making, Lā Kūʻokoʻa sticker design, and Lehua Mai are just some of the other opportunities our haumāna were allowed to choose from.

To end, haumāna and Kumu participated in our virtual concert filled with hula and music from former & current Kumu after the presentations. The concert had people celebrating and singing along, accompanied by Cheers of “Hana Hou!”. What a great way to end an amazing event.

To help educate and spread the word about Lā Kūʻokoʻa, recorded sessions are being shared with the Kamehameha Schools Alumni Association for distribution to their chapters across the state and continent.

Mahalo for everyoneʻs dedication to our lāhui and our haumāna. A special mahalo goes to Kumu Eva for organizing the event and also our amazing speakers for taking the time to share their ʻike. Mahalo! 

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Kaipuolono Article, Maui Newsroom, Maui Middle School, Maui campus

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