Ka Ipu `Ölelo "The Speaking Gourd" Newspage & Photo Gallery Hälau Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai |
Tokyo, Japan 2007 |
| Ku Ka`ie`ie 2005 Kapu Resurrecting the Soul of Hawaiian Culture Kumu Këhau presides over the ceremony of the kuahu in the hälau, as the `ölapa offer chants and ho`okupu of `ie`ie, halapëpë, palapalai, maile, `öhi`a lehua, kupukupu and more. Growth and inspiration to the land and the lähui känaka! |
Entryway to Ke Ahu a Laka at Ka Ulu A Paoa Hula Heiau at Kë`ë, Hä`ena. Built into the cliffside at Kë`ë this is the entrance that was used only by kumu hula and kahuna. Haumäna or students entered the hula temple through another entryway located just below the top platform of the heiau. |
Surrounded by ancient taro terraces, Papa Mu`olaulani offer ho`okupu -- offerings of mele oli and mele hula for the pristine valley of Limahuli at Hä`ena. |
Chants and prayers to Laka is offered at the kuahu at Ke Ahu A Laka. A hula disciple trained in the formalities of the kuahu understands the honor and privilege of visiting this ancient and sacred site in Hä`ena, Kaua`i. Ho`okupu of kinolau recognized by the guild of hula are the gift offerings that are appropriate for this prestigious hula temple. |
`Aikäne Alapa`i dances, "Kü Mai Ka Lehua" a mele hula dedicated to Käne and the elemental forms that prevail over Mauna Hou at Hä`ena, Kaua`i. The Japanese audience is left in awe of his agility and powerful command of the hula. |
Aloha mai käkou!
We celebrated the arrival of the Summer Solstice from the top
of Kïlauea Crater, Kaua`i with chants and prayers for Känehoalani.
This auspicious dawning presented the opening of a fresh portal of
life, as the new day unfolded. With the moon setting at our backs
in the west and the sun breaking through the banks of clouds on
the horizon in front of us, we were encapsulated by the mana of
the ancient vibrations of the land, our gods, ancestors and the
natural world. In so many ways, the solstice sun has inspired a
pathway of blessings for longevity of health, spirit and ancestral
knowledge for all of us.
Hälau Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai continues to welcome new and returning students for its Summer-Fall
semester of hula study in two new locations -- on the north shore in Kïlauea at the Mälama Kaua`i
Center, and in Kalapakï at the Kaua`i Marriott Resort. Some of our classes have already begun, with
additional classes in que and on the way for start up in July.
In a few weeks, members of Hälau Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai
will depart for Cherokee, North Carolina to perform at the
2008 Festival of Native Peoples. We are excited and
deeply honored to have been invited to participate in this
prestigious showcase of indigenous performing groups
from throughout the Americas. Please scroll down for
more information and links to learn more about the
Festival of Native Peoples!
Festival of Native Peoples
Cherokee, North Carolina
July 17, 18 & 19, 2008
Annual Festival of Native Peoples, Featuring the Finest
Indian Art Market in Western North Carolina. This year
the annual gathering of tribes from throughout the
Americas takes its rightful place as the finest showcase
of non-competitive, native dance, art, song, and culture
in the southeast. On July 17–19, indigenous tribes and
performing groups from across the country will descend
on Cherokee, NC, for the celebratory Festival of Native
Peoples. The event honors the collected history,
culture, tradition, and wisdom of the indigenous people
of the Americas. Varied participants from around the
country include Navajo, Native Alaskan, Hopi, Dakota
Sioux, Totonac and Cherokee tribes among others.
New performers to this year’s event includes Halau Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai - a traditional halau hula or hula
school from the island of Kaua’i in Hawaii. Founded in 1945 by Kumu Hula, Helen Kaipuwai Kekua Waiau,
the performing company will share ancient Hawaiian hula and drum dances that were once the mainstay of
Hawai`i’s archaic temples. The Halau now falls under the direction of Kehaulani Kekua who is the current
kumu hula or hula master of Halau Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai.
Click here to read the complete story
Check out the Festival Video Clip
Read More...
Aztec pole dancers will thrill visitors as they fly through the air in a spectacle of
swirling color. Dancers tie their ankles to ropes wound around a pole and then
jump off, “flying” gracefully around the pole as the ropes unwind until they reach
the ground. The ritual has been practiced by the Totonac Indians for over 2,000
years as a way of giving thanks to the sun.
swirling color. Dancers tie their ankles to ropes wound around a pole and then
jump off, “flying” gracefully around the pole as the ropes unwind until they reach
the ground. The ritual has been practiced by the Totonac Indians for over 2,000
years as a way of giving thanks to the sun.
| June 20 Solstice Sunrise at Kïlauea Crater, Kaua`i |
The view from Kïlauea Crater include the peninsulas of Pila`a
in the distance, Mokulea Point and the rocky islet of Makapili.
in the distance, Mokulea Point and the rocky islet of Makapili.
June 2008