Crafts of Hawaii: The Hawaiian Nose Flute, Ohe Hano Ihu

The bamboo of Keanae is considered one of the best in the islands, according to artisan Calvin Hoe. The Waiahole resident is renowned for his skill in crafting Hawaiian nose flutes and was on hand for a demonstration at the Keanae Hoolaulea held over the weekend.

[flashvideo file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=642buQWLZrg /] The Ohe Hano Ihu of Keanae produces a resonant sound because of its thin walls and dense composition. It is prized as a courting and serenading instrument because of its sweet melodic sounds. Hoe works to perpetuate the art of nose flute making by helping to produce 1900 instruments annually through Kamehameha Schools Exploration program.

(Posted: 8/18/08 © Wendy Osher, Mauitoday.tv, Pacific Radio Group)