Ola ka ‘i is the title of the Olelo Hawaii event that was born in the shopping center, and Ola ka ‘I Kauai-Niihau 2025 is the label of the Kauai-specific event that filled the Kukui Grove Center with entertainment, games, and even shopping on Saturday.
Ola ka ‘i is the title of the Olelo Hawaii event that was born in the shopping center, and Ola ka ‘I Kauai-Niihau 2025 is the label of the Kauai-specific event that filled the Kukui Grove Center with entertainment, games, and even shopping on Saturday.
The presence of olelo Hawaii groups and exhibits expanded the Hawaiian offerings to tease the Maori language with the appearance of New Zealanders Peter Lucas Jones and “Anahola Boy.” Keoni Mahelona and Hiku Media attempted to teach the computer Hawaiian while teaching the computer the Maori language.
“Keoni is from Anahola,” said Aggi Marti. “He lives in New Zealand now, and we had to come and visit him.”
The presence of the Hiku Media also bolstered the spirit of Heiura Marie Itchener, who had her Tahitian craft goods on display while she played her Tahitian ukulele banjo, which was created by her uncle more than twenty years ago.
The appearance and execution of a 12-man Konane, or Hawaiian checkers, tournament indicated the growth of Ola ka ‘I.
The tournament announcer, garbed in a fancy aloha shirt and lei, said this was a first after the Olelo Hawaii event was born at the Windward Mall. Kauai had the distinction of hosting the first event, which has now grown to seven events, all held at shopping centers around the state. The tournament is also a testament to John Kaohelaulii’s many years of promoting the sport at festivals, night markets, and anywhere people gathered.
A Punana Leo student ran the Kalo Game. It attracted the attention of many people as they earned points for their passports by harvesting kalo and identifying in olelo Hawaii the different parts of the kalo plant before proceeding to pound it into poi.
Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha offered a variety of merchandise based on the books it started producing about six years ago in “olelo Niihau,” not olelo Hawaii. The difference was noticeable when Hiipoi Kanahele and friends took the stage with Niihau’s traditional and contemporary sounds.
The knowledge and popularity of Polynesian crafts and language were even adapted by the Kukui Grove Center, which announced a special room devoted to Hawaiian culture and craft for the May Day weekend. This room will join a planned Makeke room similar to the Mele Makeke during the holidays.
