An instructor CC of Pacific-Hawaiian Island Studies, Aloha Kekoolani earned her B.A. in Hawaiian Art (1997) and M.A. in Pacific Island Studies (2004) at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She has held academic positions at various public and private institutions in Hawai’i, including the Honolulu Community College and Farrington High School. 

Aloha’s graduate research, “Na’au Poi: Spiritual Food for Cultural Enlightenment,” examined na’au, an ancient Hawaiian conceptualization of the unification of body, mind, and spirit that serves as one’s gut instinct.  She constructed the concept of Na’au Poi, a fusion of ancient and contemporary na’au ideology. The underlying cultural theory and practical working principles of Na’au Poi are drawn from spiritual and moral metaphors inherent in Hawaii’s important kalo (taro) growing tradition.  Aloha integrates Na’au Poi into all her seminars, workshops and counseling sessions. Students in the academic arena wishing to learn more about Hawaiian culture and Na’au Poi may attend Aloha’s speaker seminars where both theory and practice are explored. Aloha’s seminars incorporate performance, dance, chant and other forms of traditional Polynesian presentation.

 

 

Seminar No.1

Na’au Poi: Spiritual Food for Cultural Enlightenment

A lecture presentation which views Hawaiian-Pacific Island Studies culture through literature, art and performance narratives, identities, religion, and philosophy. (45 to 60 minutes)

Abstract

Native Hawaiian ethics were shaped by two concepts: (1) a universal need for righteousness (Pono), and (2) personal moral guidance through a spiritual force called Na’au.  Ancient Hawaiian civilization conceptualized Na’au as the unification of body, mind, and spirit that serves as one’s “gut instinct.”  Early spiritual and cultural experiences were often linked to Na’au; therefore, understanding Na’au is central to understanding Native Hawaiian history and culture.

Format

Featuring the opening performance of a recitation “Na mele oli oli me ka Olelo Hawaii” (chants in Hawaiian language honoring the sacred high chiefs considered “Keepers of the Sacred Fire”). The presentation includes an historical review of Hawaiian literature, oral histories, and traditional narratives covering 20 year of scholarly research. The seminars staging includes Na lole ‘o Hawaii (traditional Hawaiian attire) and a  Power Point display of visuals from native Hawaiian Life by Aloha Keko’olani – Simmons, who is the kumu (teacher) of the halau (traditional Hawaiian school) of Hale 'o Na Ali’i ‘o Ke Kapu Ahi.  

 

Seminar No.2

Na Mea Hula Hawaii, The Art of Hula

A workshop presentation in two parts focusing on the History of Hawaiian Art forms associated with traditional Hawaiian literature and ancestral resources. (Two sessions at 60 to 75 minutes each)

Format

This workshop blends presentations on Hawaiian life, society, and hula art forms with instructional elements geared toward participation of the seminar audience. This hands on approach to learning allows students to experience Hula by “doing”. They are introduced to basic Hula movements and familiarized with the underlying concept of “hula language”, which is the symbolic representation of objects, actions, relations and abstract ideas through dance. Hula instruction by Aloha Kekoolani who is head Kumu Hula (teacher of hula) of the halau (Hawaiian school) of Hale 'o Na Ali’i ‘o Ke Kapu Ahi.  

Hoike Performance (Student and Faculty Show)

A fun filled optional follow-up event for students and staff who complete the two-day Hula workshop.

 

 

Seminar No.3

Ho’okele a me Mo’oku’au’hau

(Navigating the Genealogies)

A presentation on Hawaiiana associated with genealogies, mo’olelo(stories), language, and ancestral writings. A lecture and workshop. (75 minutes)

Abstract

The proper continuation of sacred royal bloodlines and the oral preservation of their lineages was an important factor in maintaining the political, economic and religious stability of society in pre-Contact Hawaii.

Format

This multimedia session includes a demonstration of web based research methods for learning about Hawaii through cultural information embedded in the genealogies Hawaiian high chiefs. Through this seminar, students will become familiar with state of the art methods for discovering their own family roots.

 

 

 

 

Other Academic and Cultural Workshops

Aloha Kekoolani offers other seminars for both faculty and student audiences. Of interest to both schools and non-academic groups are cultural workshops from her halau (Hawaiian school) Hale 'o Na Ali’i ‘o Ke Kapu Ahi.

 

Ike Mua “Envision the Future” Academic Workshops

Career and life planning workshops for students. Creating Palapala Aina curriculum, including development maps for students transitioning to work or higher education. For faculty, Imi Naauao lectures on education, development of materials, leadership training, and grant supervision.

 

Halau Classes & Workshops

Presentations in academic venues of cultural classes and workshops from Aloha Kekoolani's halau (school) Hale 'o Na Ali’i ‘o Ke Kapu Ahi.

 

Seminar Enrollment Ideas for University and College Faculty
School staff planning college conferences and other seminar events may find it helpful to send out flyers, emails, and questionnaires to the students requesting that they sign up for workshops early in order to project time slots. These notices may also inform students that there are a limited number of seats per workshop. This allows students to make room in their schedules as well as request extra credit for attending workshops from their instructors, and of course to request make-up homework from classes missed. In many cases, the instructors will accept a written paper on the workshop presentation.  In addition, you may invite entire classes from the college to the workshops (History Dept., Anthropology, Ethnic Studies, Dance, etc.).  These simple steps can be taken to ensure the good audiences for guest speakers.