Registration for enrollment in a 10-week beginning course in La‘au Hawai‘i will explore the wondrous world of native Hawaiian plants and their cultural uses. Many plants were revered as kinolau — vegetable and plant manifestations of the Hawaiian gods. “Whether
Registration for enrollment in a 10-week beginning course in La‘au Hawai‘i will explore the wondrous world of native Hawaiian plants and their cultural uses. Many plants were revered as kinolau — vegetable and plant manifestations of the Hawaiian gods. “Whether they were specially cultivated or gathered from sources that grew without the help of mankind, native plants were appreciated and used with great care and knowledge,” states a release from ‘Aina‘ike.
Participants will have classroom and outdoor opportunities in the field to learn about the many uses of Hawaiian plants for healing, well-being, subsistence and much more. Instructional experiences will also include hana no‘eau or activities that will teach skills and methods for the making of cordage, herbal remedies, lei and creative inventions for games and pastimes enjoyed in ancient Hawai‘i. Traditional textile arts using plant materials for natural dyes will also be taught.
The organization holding the class, ‘Aina‘ike, is inspired by the ancient Hawaiian proverb: “Eli’eli kulana ‘o ‘Aina’ike.” The words to this ‘olelo no‘eau translates to say, “Profound is the nature of ‘Aina‘ike. There is a play on the words ‘eli‘eli which means profound and deep and ‘Aina‘ike or land of knowledge. It refers to a person who is respected for the depth of his or her knowledge — especially one’s knowledge and sense of place as it relates to individuals personally and professionally. From a Hawaiian perspective, the ‘aina (land) provides us with the basis of our success and livelihood. Thus, knowing and respecting it well and sincerely is of utmost importance,” writes ‘Aina‘ike describing their mission and cultural perspective.
“Another cultural point of view is to understand that the intellect of the Hawaiian people comes from the realization that knowledge is found in the ancientness of the land itself. ‘Aina‘ike is also a wahi pana or special and storied place that is located in the district of Kona here on Kaua‘i. It is the basis of this ‘olelo no‘eau that has inspired us to create a unique collection of Hawaiian cultural program offerings…one that will honor and celebrate the intriguing history, places, philosophies and traditions that are deeply rooted in the primal culture of Hawai‘i Nei.”
The respected Kumu Kehaulani Kekua will be the intsructor for the 10-week course. “Her knowledge of Kaua‘i and Hawaiian culture, history, ancestral practices and art forms are vast. She is well connected with native Hawaiian masters and practitioners who specialize in various disciplines from throughout the Hawaiian island chain. Perpetuation and practice of authentic Hawaiian culture is her passion and life’s work,” states the organization’s Web site. Her extensive experience and formal training includes mentoring by masters from the entire archipelago and is recognized with awards from the Hawai‘i Visitors Bureau, Kahili Awards and from the Department of Business and Economic Development.
