Makahiki Maori Festival Shines

The heavy rains and flooding of Kapiolani Park delayed the Makahiki Maori Festival by a day, but it didn’t dampen the spirits – not within the volunteers, performers, ‘ohana and I’ll even venture to say not of our late kupuna too. The last time I was in the audience for a performance at Kapiolani Bandstand was almost 20 years ago and I remember it like it was yesterday.

For years my Nanny’s halau would perform at Kapiolani Park bandstand the day after the Queen Lili’uokalani Keiki Hula Competition. It was a tradition I hold dear to my heart, especially since Lilinoe was one of the dancers on stage. Still groggy from a successful competition that was followed by evening performances on both the Independence or Constituion cruise ships and at the Pacific Beach hotel’s Kumu Lounge which is now part of the Oceanarium restaurant – the troops were committed to their perfomance. Just in case you’re thinking I was on the stage, I wasn’t – ever. I just loved my Nanny so much that I followed her everywhere I could and supported her gigs.

The Makahiki Maori Festival was Chelsea’s second public performance with Kuhai Halau ‘O Kahalepuna Pa Olapa Kahiko – and it was powerful. The chant was about the famous warrior, Pekeku. Kumu Kahalepuna’s voice moves my soul – she was meant to tell the stories of our heritage. And, what made this performance even more meaningful is that half of my girls’ youth basketball team are also dancers. Enjoy the video in the right-hand sidebar. Imua!