WAIMEA — The Ancestral Stories of Kaua‘i Mo‘oku‘auhau o ka Lahui on June 2 serves as a preface to the June 4 ho‘olaule‘a at the Pa‘ula‘ula State Historic Site in Waimea.
Hosted by the Friends of Kaumuali‘i, the June 2 Ancestral Stories takes place at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall in Lihuʻe, where residents and visiting communities are invited to a story-telling of mo‘olelo by historians, artists, and cultural practitioners from 4 to 9 p.m.
Tickets are available online at www.KingKaumualii.org, or at the door for the event that will feature Dr. Ku‘ualoha Ho‘omanawanui, Kapukuniahi Parker, and Dr. Peter Mills who will chronicle the many great leaders before and after Kaumuali‘i.
These leaders wove a rich lei of cultural history and genealogical connections that gave Kaua‘i a revered status across the pae ‘aina, or the Hawai‘i island chain.
The presentation will entertain and educate while stimulating the audience to make their own connections from the past into the present and future.
Kukona, Manokalanipo from ka wa kahiko will become better known and appreciated as they laid the groundwork for a peaceful, artistic, and abundant Kaua‘i, known as Kamawaelualani in ancient times.
Other talks of Kaumuali‘i descendants like Queen Kapiolani and Prince Kuhio share the quest for peace and care for Native people during turbulent and transitional times.
The June 2 presentations at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall is a part of He Inoa No Kaumuali‘i Na Makana Poina‘ole, or a weekend commemorating Kaua‘i’s last independent monarch and his return to Pa‘ula‘ula in spirit, and an 8-foot statue that was erected at his ancestral home, Pa‘ula‘ula.
The June 4 ho‘olaule‘a at Pa‘ula‘ula State Historic Site, formerly named the Russian Fort, will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and feature MC Kumu Kimo Keaulana leading the Hawaiian protocol.
Following the procol and presentation by Dr. Ho‘omanawanui, the afternoon will be filled with cultural displays, Hana No‘eau, or Kaua‘i-Made crafts, hula and mele for Kaumuali‘i.
Support for these events are provided by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Community Enrichment Program, the Queen Deborah Kapule Civic Club, West Kaua‘i Business &Professional Association, Kikiaola Construction, Pacific Savages, Hawaiian@Art, and the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources.
