E Ka’apuni A Ho’a Kukui Na Moku ‘Aina: A Spiritual Journey
By Wendy OSHER © 2009
A group of Native Hawaiians have planned a spiritual journey to encircle the island of Maui. The 193-mile trek begins Friday night and is expected to take six days to complete. The ka’apuni or circuit is organized in part by west Maui taro farmer and cultural advocate, Ke’eaumoku Kapu, who will lead the journey intended to help people find spiritual support during trying times. While the journey is organized by and for native Hawaiians, it is not exclusive. The ka’apuni will start and end at the historic Moku’ula site in Lahaina. Follow us as we provide updates of this journey throughout the week.
The event entitled “E Ka’apuni A Ho’a Kukui Na Moku `Aina” will start and end at the historic Moku’ula site in Lahaina. Event participants will gather at Moku’ula, across from Malu Ulu O Lele park at 11 p.m. Friday, February 20th for an opening ceremony, to be followed by the march that starts at midnight. Join us here, online as we bring you the latest updates and progress made around the island.
The event entitled “E Ka’apuni A Ho’a Kukui Na Moku `Aina” was given its name by Uncle Richard Ho’opi’i of Kahakuloa, and speaks to the torch lit walk around the island as a way to enlighten and unify the people of Maui’s twelve moku.
MANA`O
With the Makahiki season upon us, group organizers say it is a time to welcome the return of Lono as the bringer of rain and winds. The season began with the setting of the first new moon after the constellation Makali’i-known in the west as Pleiades-rose in the eastern sky at sunset. During Makahiki, all work by maka’ainana and Ali’i was restricted and a procession around the island to mark the presence of Lono would signal a time of preparation.
“We recognize that it is a time again to take to the alanui of Maui in respect and acknowledgement of our kupuna I ka wa kahiko. To come together and unify through the acceptance that spirituality will provide a foundation from which future obstacles can be met,” event organizers said.
“We malama each other, our land, our ocean and it is our hope that this ka`apuni will awaken the essence of how we can malama ourselves to prepare for what lies ahead,” said event organizers.
Kapu said the procession also acknowledges challenges that lie ahead in terms of ceded land issues, housing, education, resources, and other difficulties faced by native Hawaiians.
A lighted torch to represent the enlightenment will accompany those participating in the procession. The torch will remain lit throughout the non-stop journey around Maui.
KA`APUNI INFORMATION
- Place: The ka`apuni will begin and end in Lahaina, at Moku`ula, the capital of Hawai`i in the time of Kauikeaouli, who ruled as Kamehameha III
- Start Date: Friday, February 20, 2009.
- Anticipated completion and return to Moku`ula: February 26, 2009 (keep in mind That this completion date is an estimation)
- Protocol will occur at the starting and ending of the ka`apuni: A Ha`ule Lani ceremony led by Kaponoa`i Molitau will take place at the end of the ka`apuni to honor all kupuna that have passed but are not forgotten
- Time: 11:00 pm Opening ceremony led by Kapono`ai Molitau; 12 midnight start Of ka`apuni
- Course: From Moku`ula, head westward, continue clockwise around Maui
- Updates: For updates on the daily progress and general information go to www.kpoa.com and click on the news link. Then follow the Ka`apuni Updates.
- Moku: The 12 moku, or districts, of Maui are (in alphabetical order): Hamakualoa, Hamakuapoko, Hana, Honua`ula, Ka`anapali, Kahikinui, Kaupo, Kipahulu, Ko`olau, Kula, Lahaina, Wailuku
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