LIHU‘E — Hula and mele will open the Third Annual Kaua‘i Ocean Fest, Friday at the Kukui Grove Center starting at 5 p.m.
“Kumulipo: The Genealogy that Connects Us All” is the theme of the first week of the Kaua‘i Ocean Fest that continues through the month of February and will feature Ho‘ike Mele, a musical and dance presentation by Waipu‘ilani Flores and featuring ‘Ohana Anahola Kanuikapono, Hui o Kamakaokalani, and Ori Uvira.
Sol Kaho‘ohalahala, a cultural practitioner and the chair of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council, will provide a Kumulipo presentation from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The Kumulipo is an ancient Hawaiian mele oli consisting of more than 2,000 lines and tells of the origin of the Hawaiian people and way of life.
There is a huge panel on The Kumulipo within the walls of the recently-opened Kaua‘i Ocean Discovery that attracted and mesmerized a young student from the Elsie Wilcox Elementary School who spent a great deal of time glued to the panel and listening to the chant.
“I couldn’t believe it,” said Jean Souza, the Kaua‘i programs coordinator for the HIHWNMS and the coordinator for the Kauai Ocean Discovery center. “I had to go out and see for myself before finally getting a copy of the Kumulipo so he could take it with him when he left with his mother.”
Kaho‘ohalahala will continue his Kumulipo presentation with a workshop on Saturday from 10 a.m.
‘Ohana activities on Saturday celebrate February as Hawaiian Language Month with Mahina ‘Olelo Hawai‘i, BINGO in Hawaiian, and ending with a film showcase, Saturday evening.
More activities take place in the month-long Kaua‘i Ocean Fest as the focus changes to Ola Na Manu: Honoring Our Birds on Feb. 14 and 15 with the launching of a new Hawaiian bird card game, Hei Manu, that supports Hawaiian language in the home.
Kainani Kahaunaele and Friends fill the Kukui Grove air with music, and Mele Kahalepuna Chung, a Native Hawaiian featherwork artist will do the talk story presentation, Friday and a hands-on presentation, Saturday.
Andre Raine, the project manager for Kaua‘i Endandered Seabird Recovery Project, switches the focus to Celebrating Seabirds and Whales, Feb. 21 and 22 with presentations on Threats, Solutions, and Survival – Saving Kaua‘i’s Rarest Sea Birds.
Raine will be joined by Souza who will host training and information on The Sanctuary Count and humpback whales.
Heather Ylitalo-Ward, an aquatic biologist with the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources, will close the month-long celebration with Mauka to Makai Resources. Ylitalo-Ward will present on He‘e, or octopus, in Hawai‘i, and Beyond with ‘ohana activities involving Mauka to Makai being led by the DLNR.
There is no admission fee for any of the activities.
