By Karyn Chambers
Photos By Jen Myers and Karyn Chambers
On Saturday, May 5th, at the former Akebono Theater lot in downtown Pahoa, a wonderful celebration of Hawaiian culture–Hale Halawai O Puna–brought together families and individuals to experience hands-on cultural practices designed to keep Hawaiian traditions alive–along with live music and hula dancing. As a participant, I was moved by witnessing poi pounding, coconut frond weaving, lei making, and traditional game-playing. I loved watching the children poi pounding and learning the beautiful Hawaiian food preparations, weaving ti leaves, and holua sledding. Ohe Kapala (bamboo stamping) was incredible to watch how a plant can be transformed into a work of art.
At this free event, I was introduced to two women representing Moko O’Keawe Malama Na Kupuna that provides care for the elderly in Puna. They have regular meals and activities for seniors regardless of income or status, traveling to different neighborhoods in Puna: HPP, Leilani Estates, Ainaloa, Hawaiian Beaches, and Mauna Kea. This organization began in 2023 to support kupuna dealing with poor nutrition, isolation, and low income. I met and talked with Mary and Petronila who formed this loving group to offer assistance to our elderly. Their free events include farm fresh lunches donated by local farmers and home gardeners. The meals are prepared by hosts of volunteers, for nutrition and protein rich foods for seniors. They also offer a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables for them to take home. It gives kupuna a great opportunity to socialize, enjoy live music, educational opportunities, and helpful connections with support services. To connect with them and register for get togethers, folks can email [email protected] or call Petronila 808 895-5709. You can also connect via Facebook Moku O Keawe Malama na Kupuna. Such a wonderful service for our kupuna.
We were also treated with an incredible hula performance lead by Kumu Ehulani Stephany from Halau Hula Ka Makani Hali ‘Ala O Puna (“The Returning Fragrant Wind of Puna”), practicing Hawaiian cultural ceremonies and sacred rituals for over 20 years. Kumu Ehulani shared the deeper meaning of the chants before each of the two dances. Several of her dancers were performing for the first time. Very impressive, exquisite experience to watch! I was so inspired by their precision movements and eloquence, especially for new dancers. They truly reenacted a beautiful chanting and storytelling. For anyone who wants to learn from a true master right here in Puna, Kumu Ehulani Stephany offers classes on Wednesdays and Sundays 3-5 pm. The first class and drop in fee is $25. You can read more about her extensive training by Hula Masters on her website https://www.hawaiianhuladance.com. Her vast experience and mastery provides a rich in depth journey into Hawaiian culture and tradition.
Hale Halawai marked the 7th anniversary of Kilauea erupting in 2018. Thus, the gathering to bring folks together and increase cultural awareness definitely uplifts Puna and advertises support services as well as ancient cultural crafts, games, and practical creations. After the 10-2pm activities, there was also an Activate Puna Town Party with a benefit concert and island music, with food trucks and vendors. One of the major goals for these events is to create and open a community space to host cultural workshops and nighttime marketing, and public gatherings. A great boon for Puna residents.
Hale Halawai involves building friendships, increasing awareness of our strengths to assist in enriching our economy accompanied by shared community values: loving the aina, tradition, and people. As we move forward to rejuvenate our local activities and spirit, we create a strong sense of community support for our artisans and entrepreneurs. The funds from the Active Puna Town Party will be donated to Pahoa Lava Zone Museum and future gatherings. Scholarships are available for seniors. All in all, Hale Halawai demonstrated Puna’s resilience and love of its cultural traditions. Looking forward to the next gathering and community-building opportunity.
Karyn Chambers
Karyn Chambers taught community college classes--English Composition, Study Skills, Critical Thinking, Philosophy, World Religions, and Biblical Studies for twenty-five years in the Willamette Valley in Oregon. She wrote articles for a local newspaper column Interfaith Voices for seven years. In 1996, she earned a Master’s in Composition and Rhetoric from OSU, and in 2015, a Master’s of Divinity from Marylhurst University in Portland, Oregon. She’s an ordained minister and Kundalini Yoga teacher. In addition, she’s a certified hypnotherapist and enjoys working with a variety of clients. Her greatest passion is traveling and experiencing spiritual traditions around the globe. She’s taken several yoga and meditation courses in India. Although she’s technically retired, she teaches seniors Creative Writing: Write Your Life Story in Kea’au and currently at the Kamana Center in Hilo. Her greatest delight is sharing her research and knowledge of world religions and spirituality to promote understanding, peace, and love. She loves living in Puna for its wonderful healing properties.