February 20, 2020:
Maikai Kauai-He inoa No Kaumualii explores the link between the ancient and modern by the verse found in both; Maikai Kauai Hemolele I Ka Malie. It is an ancient saying celebrating the incomparable beauty, peace and excellence of Kauai Island. The original mele inoa or name chants honors Kauai’s paramount Moi King Kaumualii. Lei I Ka Mokihana, a.k.a Maikai Kauai is a mele auana that pay tribute to the special beauty of Kauai, and written by Henry Waiau, Kumu Kehaulaniʻs great-grandfather. Now, as then; He Alii ka Aina-the land is the Chief Through story and dance Kumu will entertain and educate the audience, utilizing the gifts left to us by prominent Haku Mele or Hawaiian posts & composers. She will expand upon the significance of Hula & Hawaiian oral traditions as a means of deepening our appreciation for the vision of Kauai past, present & future. The presentation is offered in conjunction with a Kauai School Banner Project. Schools will use the mele to create Banners as Hookupu for the Dedication of 8ft. bronze statue of King Kaumualii at his ancestral home, Paulaula in Waimea later this year. These events are offered by Friends of King Kaumualii, a cultural & educational 501c3. Funding provided by Sinclair-Knudsen/HCF, and Hawaii Tourism through Community Enrichment Program; and in cooperation with Kauai Complex DOE, Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School and Hālau Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai. www.kauaikingkaumualii.org