Hui Mālama O Ke Kai: Cultural Exchange with Maori Performing Arts Group September 15, 2010

The windward community of Waimanalo was the site of a visit and exchange with cousins from the Land of the Long White Cloud… Aotearoa, New Zealand.

“Te Karito Kura Wananga”, a performing arts family-group from the small community of Kawhia in Aotearoa, was in Hawai’i for the 6th gathering of the Healing Our Spirit Worldwide conference.

Guests of the Waimanalo community for a week, Te Karito Kura Wananga shared a performance called “Maui Tamatoa” that draws on the mo’olelo (story) of Maui the demi-god to reinforce positive life messages, like; taking responsibility for one’s own health and well-being; to be inspired to set and achieve goals; to face challenges with mana and dignity; and to remember that we are meant to be fit, healthy and “smoke-free”.

The 45-minute high-energy performance was a blend of traditional Maori dance and haka, along with some hip-hop and interpretive dancing.

The Hui Malama O Ke Kai ‘opio greeted and welcomed the group with oli and ho’okpu, and shared a hula after the performance by their visitors. The evening ended with launa aloha with the Waimanalo and Maori ‘ohana over some ono Hawaiian food.