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Updated: 05/26/17

A kuʻu a Molokaʻi, a mau pani a Molokaʻi
It began on Molokaʻi, it will end on Molokaʻi
This year’s theme represents the interwoven leaders of ancient Hawai‘i who like individual ‘aho (strands) form a stronger ‘aha (cord). In ancient times, Molokaʻi was the main repository of ‘ike, and piʻo (experts) from all the islands would travel to Molokaʻi to gather, to learn and then to share the collective wisdom with their moku (district) upon their return. The resulting ‘Aha Moku system embodies this continuous flow of manaʻo between those whose ‘ike kept the balance between the needs of the people and the sustainability of the natural resources of each island. Their unity brought the knowledge of the kūpuna forward to the present ensuring prosperity into the future. It is with this understanding that the inoa Moloka‘i has a greater depth of meaning; molo (interwoven) and ka‘i (leaders).
The vertical strands or ‘aho within the circle represent the individual pi‘o of each island. The cordage or ‘aha on the outer circle depicts the ‘aho woven together creating a binding and reciprocal support among the pi‘o for the benefit of all. “A kuʻu a Molokaʻi, a mau pani a Molokaʻi” is best understood from the mindset of the lāhui who in ancient times did not view themselves as separate from the land and who had a reciprocal relationship with the pi‘o who were fundamentally committed to their wellbeing.
It began on Molokaʻi, it will end on Molokaʻi
This year’s theme represents the interwoven leaders of ancient Hawai‘i who like individual ‘aho (strands) form a stronger ‘aha (cord). In ancient times, Molokaʻi was the main repository of ‘ike, and piʻo (experts) from all the islands would travel to Molokaʻi to gather, to learn and then to share the collective wisdom with their moku (district) upon their return. The resulting ‘Aha Moku system embodies this continuous flow of manaʻo between those whose ‘ike kept the balance between the needs of the people and the sustainability of the natural resources of each island. Their unity brought the knowledge of the kūpuna forward to the present ensuring prosperity into the future. It is with this understanding that the inoa Moloka‘i has a greater depth of meaning; molo (interwoven) and ka‘i (leaders).
The vertical strands or ‘aho within the circle represent the individual pi‘o of each island. The cordage or ‘aha on the outer circle depicts the ‘aho woven together creating a binding and reciprocal support among the pi‘o for the benefit of all. “A kuʻu a Molokaʻi, a mau pani a Molokaʻi” is best understood from the mindset of the lāhui who in ancient times did not view themselves as separate from the land and who had a reciprocal relationship with the pi‘o who were fundamentally committed to their wellbeing.
Thursday, June 1
The festival kicks off with our cultural excursions. The excursions allows participants to visit cultural sites on island and experience the stories of those places through the hula. This year we continue the tradition of visiting Ka'ana; the birth place of the hula.
Huaka'i #1
Ka'ana
9:00-11:00am
Meet alongside Maunaloa Hwy. 460; after mile marker 12; heading West.
The second huaka'i to Pu'u 'Ano'ano in Naiwa will give deeper meaning and understanding to this year's theme; A ku'u a Moloka'i, a mau pani a Moloka'i.
Huaka'i #2
Pu'u 'Ano'ano, Naiwa
12:30pm-2:30pm
Meet at the Naiwa gate (between Moloka'i High School and Kualapu'u School) on Farrington Hwy. 480.
To better prepare for both excursions here's what you need to know:
Friday, June 2
'A'ole pau ka 'ike i ka halau ho'okahi, not all 'ike is taught in one halau. Join us for a panel discussion with Kumu Hula Puna Kalama Dawson and Kumu Hula Lorna Lim as they share hula and mo'olelo and some of the hula traditions of their halau.
6:00-8:30pm
Kulana ‘Ōiwi Complex 612 Maunaloa Hwy., Kaunakakai,
Across of the Kapuaiwa Coconut grove
The festival kicks off with our cultural excursions. The excursions allows participants to visit cultural sites on island and experience the stories of those places through the hula. This year we continue the tradition of visiting Ka'ana; the birth place of the hula.
Huaka'i #1
Ka'ana
9:00-11:00am
Meet alongside Maunaloa Hwy. 460; after mile marker 12; heading West.
The second huaka'i to Pu'u 'Ano'ano in Naiwa will give deeper meaning and understanding to this year's theme; A ku'u a Moloka'i, a mau pani a Moloka'i.
Huaka'i #2
Pu'u 'Ano'ano, Naiwa
12:30pm-2:30pm
Meet at the Naiwa gate (between Moloka'i High School and Kualapu'u School) on Farrington Hwy. 480.
To better prepare for both excursions here's what you need to know:
- Will be driving on unpaved road (i.e. dirt road with slightly rough terrain)
- Carpooling is encouraged
- Restrooms not available on site
- A waiver needs to be signed prior to entering the gate -
- Bring your own chair, hali'i, umbrella and water
Friday, June 2
'A'ole pau ka 'ike i ka halau ho'okahi, not all 'ike is taught in one halau. Join us for a panel discussion with Kumu Hula Puna Kalama Dawson and Kumu Hula Lorna Lim as they share hula and mo'olelo and some of the hula traditions of their halau.
6:00-8:30pm
Kulana ‘Ōiwi Complex 612 Maunaloa Hwy., Kaunakakai,
Across of the Kapuaiwa Coconut grove