Haleakalā Nat’l Park Seeks Cultural Practitioners

Haleakalā National Park is still seeking cultural practitioners from local communities for is Hana Noʻeau program, a series of cultural demonstrations that is offered in the park’s Kīpahulu and Summit Districts.

The series is open to all practitioners. Schools and community youth groups are especially encouraged to apply. This year, the series will run from mid-July to mid-September, 2017. Summit District demonstrations will occur between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Saturdays. Kīpahulu District cultural demonstrations will occur between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Sundays.

“We are excited to offer the Hana Noʻeau series again. It is a great way for many to connect to the park’s cultural and natural resources,” said Honeygirl Duman, Supervisory Interpretive Ranger, “…and a great way for cultural practitioners to share and celebrate Native Hawaiian manaʻo.”

Through support from the park’s non-profit partner, the Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association, an honorarium of $200 will be offered to each group of practitioners.

Spaces are limited and filled on a first come, first served basis. Instructions on how to apply can be found at any Haleakalā National Park visitor center or online.

An ʻohana from Kīpahulu demonstrates pounding kalo  and ulu into poi. Photo credit: Haleakalā National Park.

Pi`ilani Lua demonstrates haku lei making and traditional Hawaiian games in the Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park.

A visitor enjoys `ulu maika (lawn bowling) in Kipahulu during a recent cultural demo. Courtesy photo.

Cultural demonstration of hala lei making, photo courtesy Haleakalā National Park.

Gordean Kakalia displays some of the sennit she uses for cultural demonstrations. Courtesy photo.