Culture

Native birds and the artwork produced from their feathers are the subject of this program hosted by John Dominis Holt.

Kohala flower grower Marie Leilehua McDonald presents various lei-making techniques, including hili, haku and wili. She introduces and gathers native plants such as ‘ākia, lehua and ‘a‘ali‘i to make into a wildflower lei and shows how to braid the lei palapalai (fern).

Artist, craftsman and philosopher Sam Kaha‘i Ka‘ai displays his collection of fishhooks made of bone, ivory, pearl and turtle shell, and demonstrates the traditional way of making them using grinding stones and a Hawaiian drill.

Surfers Rell Sunn, Clyde Aikau, Rabbit Kekai, Buffalo Keaulana and Alvin Kaio share their knowledge of the history of surfing, canoe surfing, big wave surfing and popular surfing spots. Lilikala Kame‘eleihiwa performs a traditional chant to call for big waves and Dennis Kanae Keawe introduces the art of hōlua sledding.

Fisherman Kaiana Ahmad takes us out on an aku (tuna) boat for a day of deep-sea fishing and Keoki Fukumitsu shares his life as a taro grower in Hakipu‘u on the island of O‘ahu.

Hosted by well-known kupuna Eddie Kaanana, this video focuses on traditional Hawaiian values regarding the precious resource ka wai, fresh water.

Fisherman Ray Kalili supervises a neighborhood hukilau, a group fishing technique, on O‘ahu’s windward coast. Ethno-historian Marion Kelly describes the use of fishponds in old Hawai‘i. Navigator Nainoa Thompson explains the art of wayfinding, or long-distance ocean navigation. And artist/philosopher Sam Ka‘ai speaks of the continent of ocean that makes up the Polynesian world.

The Hawaiian word wai denotes something valued or treasured, true wealth. This program explores the concepts of aloha ‘āina (love for the land), kōkua (helpfulness), ‘ohana (family), and “thinking island.”

The Hawaiian word wai denotes something valued or treasured, true wealth. This program explores the concepts of ‘ohana (family), ho‘okipa (hospitality), and po‘okela (excellence).

The Hawaiian term ho‘āla hou means to awaken anew. Hosted by artist and philosopher Sam Ka‘ai, this program looks at the re-emergence of a Pacific way of thinking, of seeking self-sufficiency, and of preserving the cultural heritage of the first people of Hawai‘i.

Ipo and Kunani Nihipali work with children to create a mural at Kainalu Elementary School that reflects and interprets the cultural and natural history of nearby Kawainui marsh.

Kāko‘i. nv. To make adzes; adze maker

Tom Pico, sculptor and woodcarver, introduces the craft of making ko‘i, adzes, the traditional stone tool of Polynesia.