From January 16 to 18, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa campus will host Hawaiʻi Kuʻu Home Aloha (HKHA), a free, three-day summit inviting students, staff and the community to delve into the rich history, present and future of our our cherished ʻāina that nourishes and grounds us. Meaning “Hawaiʻi, my beloved home” in Hawaiian, HKHA aims to unite the community through workshops on oli (chant), mele (song) and a reflective journey through Hawaiʻi’s history.
“Think about it—if you’re here in Hawaiʻi, you’re automatically in a relationship with her. You’re inhaling her air, sipping from her waters and savoring the nourishing fruits of her harvests,” said Kaiwipunikauikawēkiu Punihei Lipe, Native Hawaiian Affairs Program Officer at UH Mānoa. “But how are we giving back? That’s a question for all of us — whether you’re Hawaiian or not, local, visiting or planning to stay. We need to find a way to unite and mend our connections with each other, so that our grandkids can forever call this place their home.”
- Related UH News story: Inaugural event commemorates overthrow, National Day of Racial Healing, January 17, 2023
Organizers request that those who plan to attend register online so that they can make preparations for the anticipated numbers.
Thoughtful reflection
On January 17, HKHA attendees will be encouraged to pause and reflect upon 131 years since the Hawaiian Monarchy Overthrow, honor the 8th annual National Day of Racial Healing and commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Distinguished leo (voices)
In the featured keynote, UH Mānoa, designated as a Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Campus Center, is proud to welcome Dr. Gail Christopher, a prominent advocate for racial healing, and Kumu Hula Kekuhi Kealiʻikanakaʻoleohaililani as speakers on the summit’s final day at Kennedy Theatre.
Workshops, activities
The HKHA summit will feature a range of engaging activities:
Tuesday, January 16
- 9–10 a.m. Oli workshop, Hawaiʻi Hall lawn
- 10:15–11:15 a.m. Historical walk, McCarthy Mall
- 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Mele workshop, Hawaiʻi Hall lawn
Wednesday, January 17
- Noon–1 p.m. Ceremony to honor Queen Liliʻuokalani and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, Ke Ahu o Kamakaʻeha (fronting Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services)
- 1:15–2:15 p.m. and 2:30–3:30 p.m. Mālama ʻĀina (Engaging with plants) or Story Sharing, Hawaiʻi Hall lawn
- 1:15–3:30 p.m. Pilina Circle: Building connections through storytelling, Campus Center classrooms (third floor)
- 3:45–4:45 p.m. Embodied practice, Hawaiʻi Hall lawn
Thursday, January 18
- 5:00–6 p.m. Oli workshop and Opening reception: Exploring our future through oli, Kennedy Theatre
- 6:30–7:45 p.m. Keynote: For our grandchildren: Healing, restoring, imagining, Kennedy Theatre
Registration is requested.
