A site blessing for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art was held on Sunday, September 8, 2024, marking a significant step forward in the creation of a cultural center dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Native Hawaiian arts. Hideharu Yoshikawa photo

The Maui News

WAILUKU–A site blessing for the Hālau of ‘Ōiwi Art was held on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, marking a significant step forward in the creation of a cultural center dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Native Hawaiian arts. The event was attended by kumu hula, representatives from the County of Maui, project managers, and construction contractors.

In response to the Huamakahikina Declaration, the Hālau of ‘Ōiwi Art will be dedicated to the study, practice, celebration and perpetuation of Hula and the varied ‘Ōiwi arts for which Hula serves as the nexus. The facility will serve as a gathering place for the community, fostering the perpetuation of Hawaiian culture through hands-on education and community engagement.

The intimate dedication ceremony was assembled by Kumu Hula Hōkūlani Holt (Pāʻū O Hi’iaka & Pā Kāneloa), Kumu Hula Kapono’ai Molitau (Nā Hanona Kūlike ʻO Pi’ilani), Kumu Hula Pueo Pata (Ka Malama Mahilani), and Kumu Hula Henohea Kāne (Keʻalaokamaile). In attendance were members of the Kumu Hula Steering Committee for the Hālau of ‘Ōiwi Art, Erin Wade and Dan Shupack of the Maui County Department of Management, Brian Ige of Dowling Company, Dan Blackburn and Ashley Arisumi of F&H Construction, and Anuhea Arakawa of Karey Kapoi LLC. Mayor Richard Bissen was represented by Director of the Department of ‘Ōiwi Resources, Kumu Kapono’ai Molitau.

Held on Kūpau (6th day of the lunar month), the ceremony incorporated four main components: ‘Aha Kapuahi Holoi Pōʻino ‘Āina, Pī Kai Huikala a Hoʻolaʻa ‘Āina, ʻAha Pāpāia ʻAwa, & ʻAha Kuahu Hula. At the close of the ceremonies, ʻawa noa was served over which attendees expressed their support for the facility, emphasizing its importance in preserving the cultural heritage of the island and providing a space for present and future generations to connect with, perpetuate, and further develop legacy ‘Ōiwi arts.

The Hālau of ‘Ōiwi Art is part of a broader initiative to revitalize Wailuku as a hub of Hawaiian culture and arts, providing a venue where practitioners can pass down their knowledge and where the public can experience the richness of Native Hawaiian traditions. The facility is expected to open in late 2025, with programs designed to engage people of all ages.

For more information about the Hālau of ‘Ōiwi Art, please visit www.hoamaui.com.