HAWAIIAN WORD OF THE DAY: "Kuʻu hoaloha"---"Beloved friend". Pronounce this "Koo-oo hoh-ah-low-hah". My beloved Parks and Rec hula sisters from Half Moon Bay came to watch Hālau Nā Wai Olaʻs annual hōʻike yesterday after dancing their hearts out at their own benefit show at Relay for Life in my home town. Iʻm so lucky to have not only my Nā Wai Ola sisters, but Annie, Mel and Sue to light up my life and bring me flowers too.
Bishop Museum
The old lava rock (technically basalt, quarried on site more than a century ago) walls and cool, fragrant interior of the Bishop Museum exude a majestic presence---as one enters, there is a sense of the ghostly presence of the kings and queens, aliʻi and common people of old.
The great kāhili of the monarchs, standing tall as ever in the Kāhili Hall, need to be experienced by every hula dancer as a reminder of where our dances come from. Hula Sister was pleased and honored to find a copy of "Hula Sister", the book, in the Bishop Museum Shop Pacifica, and to happily sign it at the request of shop manager Alex Ah Toi. To be in this historic place with my book was truly a deep and special experience....
Hula Sister poses after her kūpuna group performed a hula to "Aloha No"
Hula Sister (Nanette Kilohana Kaihāwanawana Orman) poses after her kūpuna group performed a hula to "Aloha No" in the George Nāʻope Hula Competition in Sacramento last weekend. Aunty Nan wears a muʻumuʻu designed by the famed Hawaiian designer Mamo Howell, a lei of purple crown flowers, hair adornment of crown flower loops, lauaʻe fern and palapalai, and a marvelous old-style hairdo created by Aunty Gladys Kahaku, her hula sister.
The kūpuna group of Hālau Nā Wai Ola
The kūpuna group of Hālau Nā Wai Ola pose after their third-place performance of "Aloha No" at the George Nāʻope Hula Festival in Sacramento yesterday.
George Nāʻope Hula Festival
Congratulations to some of the George Nāʻope Hula Festival winners today: Hālau Nā Wai Ola dancers Yuki Mori, first place makuahine soloist; Kanoe Kahaku, first place wāhine soloist; Lani Guerrero, third place kūpuna wāhine soloist, and Kaua Wong, first place kūpunakāne soloist. The event continues tomorrow.
HAWAIIAN WORD OF THE DAY: “Na`auao”
HAWAIIAN WORD OF THE DAY: “”Na`auao”---“Wisdom, enlightenment”---Pronounce this “Nah-ow-aoh” (This last vowel group needs to be demonstrated by a speaker of the Hawaiian language, because it can’t be represented clearly otherwise).
Here is some of Uncle George Nā`ope's freely shared wisdom about hula, which he mastered early in his life and devoted himself to thereafter. He lived from 1928 to 2009, and the breadth of his knowledge spanned chants, ancient hula, modern hula, and the language.
The upcoming George Nā`ope Hula Festival in Sacramento, California, July 14-16, is named after this extraordinary man. As a newly returning student of hula in 2001, I carefully wrote down his words at the 2001 World Hula Festival in Hilo. Here are some of his comments which I recorded:
- “Without hula there would be no Hawai`i.”
- “Do search your heart and live aloha. Be kind. Treat others well. Right is in your heart.”
- “The whole world wants what we have (hula). Share it, don’t sell it.”
- “Fine isn’t good enough (in hula). It should be wonderful!”
- “Don’t be afraid to ask questions (about hula).”
In addition to being both knowledgeable and wise, Uncle George had a special sense of style. If he had been a bird, he might have been a peacock. I was so impressed by his attire in 2001, I wrote down the elements of his outfit: “Uncle (George) was gorgeous. He wore orange socks and gold Converse high-tops, orange board shorts, an orange and white shirt, and a lauhala hat with an orange feather lei. He wore at least four maile lei, and multiple rings with diamonds on his hands.” He also wore a happy smile---it was clear he enjoyed his role as a hula educator! I am so fortunate to have been able to listen to his wisdom.
Uncle George Na`ope (1928-2009)
Uncle George Na`ope (1928-2009), a leading figure in hula and Hawaiian culture over his long and very rich life, founded not only Hawai`i's Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, but also helped to found the George Na`ope Hula Festival in Sacramento, California, which will be held next weekend at the Holiday Inn Capital Plaza. Along with his friend Rick San Nicolas and the Makanaaloha Group, Uncle George initiated this premier competition in 2004.
Uncle George was an unforgettable figure in the hula world---his enormous repertoire of culture, chants and language was enhanced by a striking personal style and great wit and showmanship. His vast knowledge contributed immeasurably to all who love hula.
Fourth of July Parade
My Half Moon Bay hula sisters, Na Wahine O Ka Lani, wowed the crowds at the hometown Fourth of July parade---nothing is quite like Hawaiian hospitality!
Hoʻokena
The amazing musicians of Hoʻokena did a free show last night at Royal Hawaiian Shops performance lawn. They sang old favorites and an awesome new country mele which they recently recorded with Josh Turner---"Hawaiian Girl"--- cute lyrics and nice tune, very suited to a hapa haole hula. I was able to capture much of the show on video, marred at times by passersby, and it is forthcoming. Here is Hula Sister with Chris, Horace and Glen after the show.
The Queen of Waikīkī, the Pink Palace
The Queen of Waikīkī, the Pink Palace, the hotel which epitomizes traditional Hawaiian hospitality, set the stage last night for hula and music under the stars. At the Royal Hawaiian Hotelʻs Mai Tai Bar, I watched beautiful hula and heard the old songs again that bring tears to your eyes. Too bad some guests at the bar were indifferent, because dancer Kanoe Arola had the sweet smile, soft hands and gentle manner that make hula mesmerizing. I was able to move after a moment to get a better view so be patient!
And it was fun to reconnect with Kimo Artis, who is now one of the Mākaha Sons--- he was in Scotts Valley, California, only a month ago for my hula sissie Kumu Mehana Thomasʻs hōʻike.
Hawaiʻi Book Publishers Association semiannual Awards of Excellence
The unique and precious art of the book stood front and center last night at the Hawaiʻi Book Publishers Association semiannual Awards of Excellence. "Hula Sister" earned honorable mention in the special interest category---I was humbled by this recognition. My husband Chris and Island Heritage Publishing executives Lynne Madden and Stacey Suyama shared this honor with me. Eō ka puke ("Celebrate the book"). And we were treated to some special hulas and a chant from a local hula ʻohana who were also talented authors--- more about them later....
Halau Na Wai Ola's annual ho`ike
Halau Na Wai Ola's annual ho`ike (show) last Saturday began with the traditional oli (chant) "Hiki Mai" by all the students and participants in the event. There were 200 of us! Hula Sister and her kupuna sisters are in royal blue at the front corners. I saw many happy faces there, both on dancers and on the audience members---our guest band, Kupaoa, sang their hearts out, as did our halau band, Pomaika`i Blend. Live music is the best to dance to!
HAWAIIAN WORDS OF THE DAY---"Nā kaikuaʻana hula"
HAWAIIAN WORDS OF THE DAY---"Nā kaikuaʻana hula"---"The hula sisters". Pronounce this "Naah ky (rhymes with ʻeyeʻ)-koo-ah-ah-nah". These ladies are my Hālau Nā Wai Ola hula sisters, last Thursday in our dressing room as we practiced for hōʻike. They are (from left) Lani, Darlene, Tina, Betsey, Nan (Hula Sister), Gladys, Paulette, Mary, Claudia, Lilinoe (above), Cheryl (below), Patty, Margaret, Sheryl, Ling, Barbara, Kathy and Cece. They are my anchors and my guides in many ways as we practice for upcoming competitions and shows. So nice to have so many sisters!
HAWAIIAN WORD OF THE DAY---"Mākaukau"
HAWAIIAN WORD OF THE DAY---"Mākaukau"---"Prepared"--- Pronounce this "Mah-cow-cow". Itʻs hōʻike day today, and Hālau Nā Wai Ola dancers are ready and waiting for tonightʻs show.... Itʻs also the word that starts a hula class, when the kumu asks "Mākaukau?" and the dancers reply "ʻAe! (Yes!)" or the kumu says "Mākaukau!" ("Get ready!") and the dancers assume starting position.
HAWAIIAN WORD OF THE DAY---"Haʻaheo"
HAWAIIAN WORD OF THE DAY---"Haʻaheo"---"Pride" or "Proud". Pronounce this "Hah-ah-hay-oh". Hawaiʻi is very proud of its hula and its hula dancers. This bronze statue at the Keahole airport greets malihini (visitors) as they leave their planes in Kona. Itʻs titled "Hula Kahiko"; the artist is Lark Grey Dimond-Cates, and it was installed in 1997.
HAWAIIAN WORD OF THE DAY:---"Maluhia"
HAWAIIAN WORD OF THE DAY:---"Maluhia"---"Peace"---Pronounce this "Mah-loo-hee-ah". Bubba the pōpoki is finally experiencing maluhia after the return from Hawaiʻi of his people.
Makaha Sons
The marvelous, magical Makaha Sons will bring their unique style of Hawaiian music to the Santa Cruz area this month---on May 27 they will be singing their special mele and will be joined by the hula dancers of Mehana Thomas----this is a special opportunity!
HAWAIIAN WORD OF THE DAY--- "Pukanawila"
HAWAIIAN WORD OF THE DAY--- "Pukanawila"---"Bougainvillea"---Pronounce this "Poo-kon-ah-vee-lah". These pukanawila were part of a hedge at my condo in Waikoloa during Merrie Monarch week. I was going to use the photo as wallpaper for my phone but found that the color was so blinding I couldnʻt read my phone! So here is a brief moment of blinding and beautiful color....
HAWAIIAN WORD OF THE DAY---"Hulu"---"Feather"
HAWAIIAN WORD OF THE DAY---"Hulu"---"Feather"---Pronounce this "Hoo-loo". This is Hula Sister aka Nanette Orman, author of "Hula Sister: A Guide to the Native Dance of Hawai`i", with her friend and sister in Hawaiian culture appreciation Kathy Luich. Kathy and I will share space again this coming weekend at the Alameda County Fairgrounds for May Day Hawaiian Festival from 10-6 Saturday and Sunday. I will be selling and signing copies of "Hula Sister" while wearing my new lauhala hat from Merrie Monarch arts and crafts venue (thank you, Kathy Lowery!), adorned with one of Aunty Kathy's gorgeous feather lei. Come take a peek and a selfie and say hello!
HAWAIIAN WORDS OF THE DAY: "He Lūʻau Nou Maka"
--- "A Feast for Your Eyes" This was some of the vegetation at our condo in Hawaiʻi last week. The colors were stunning! I have other photos equally colorful---prepare yourself!