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Hui o Hawaii Scrapbook Gracious Ladies through 2012
September 2012 On September 26, 2012 at the Community Partners Breakfast Wells Fargo gave Hui o Hawaii $1000 to help sponsor the 2012 Sacramento Aloha Festival.
Hui o Hawaii's Annual Luau, April 28, 2012
Mona Foster (Hui o Hawaii of Sacramento 2012 Vice President and Founder) received the Outstanding Service Commendation Award on April 27, 2012 from Jan Scully, District Attorney.
February 2012 Hui o Hawaii of Sacramento, Inc. held a workshop with Kumu Mahealani on February 19, 2012 in Vacaville. Participants included HOH members and guests from the community.
October 2011 First
Annual Sacramento Aloha Festival
August 2011 by Whitney Skillman, My daughter and I were privilege to be a part of the original welcoming when the waka's came to Treasure Island on Tuesday, August 2nd. There had been a lot of built up anticipation as we had expected them first on the previous Saturday, then on the Sunday following. It was a beautiful, sunny yet windy afternoon. We made our way to the Northwest point of Treasure Island to look for the waka's as they sailed in under the Golden Gate Bridge. As they came through the channel, past Alcatraz, there was an undeniable feeling of growing excitement. These canoes were alot larger than I had envisioned...they were regal, they were majestic, they were beautiful. All at once I was reminded of times long past, of our history as Poynesians and I was so happy to be there with my husband and children to witness this historic voyage. Once they rounded Treasure Island, we moved to the little stretch of beach on the East side. With the cliffs protecting the tiny alcove from the elements, it was completely serene and peaceful. Everyone spoke in hushed tones while we awaited the waka's arrival--the feeling was one of spiritual reverence. As the waka's began to arrive, first one, then another, we clamored to see which islands they represented, unable to tell by sail designs that were so similar and shared flags aboard each vessel. After the wakas had anchored on the beach, we watched the First Nation's welcome, followed by the Hawaiians. There were quite a large number in every group, but only four of us to welcome the waka from Aotearoa. As we did our powhiri, the sole female aboard answered our karanga with hers and it was thrilling and deeply moving all at once. The captain then gave a speech in Maori and all crew members did the haka then disembarked. A line was formed so that we might offer each person a hongi. As the sun set, the waka's were bathed in an incredible golden glow, a dazzling conclusion to an amazing journey. The crew were obviously happy to make land and I couldn't have been any prouder to be Polynesian.
On August 7, 2011, Our halau and many others from throughout Northern California gathered at Treasure Island to participate in the Wa`a Welcoming Ceremony. The six canoes were replicas of the traditional Vaka Moana Canoes Pacific people used to explore and settle the tropical islands of the Pacific and New Zealand centuries ago. They began there trip in New Zealand and sailed to Hilo, Hawai`i navigating by the stars, as their ancestors did. Some of the sailors were from countries such as Cook Islands, Kiribati, Vanuatu and Tonga. There
were many other Countries also participating in the Welcoming Ceremony. Our hula `ohana (family) prepared in quiet reserve by dressing in ceremonial unbleached muslin pa`us (hula skirts), and wrapped sea salt in tea leaf to place on our person for personal protection. Silent prayers were said as we waited for the ceremony to begin. Kumu Hula Kawika Alfiche and other kumu hulas (hula teachers) requested all 200-plus participating hula haumana (students) to gather together, where he blessed us all and led us in prayer. This was a very powerful moment. A Great Beginning! All the hula haumana gathered together at the prospective place for our presentation. We stood in preparation, without movement, waiting for instruction to begin. As the power of nature knows, there are no time limits. Time became our teacher as we were given a test of patience, strength, commitment, and endurance. Time gave way to many thoughts as I prepared mentally and found myself in a completely different place. As the canoes grew closer, you could hear the conch shells from the canoes calling to the shore and the Hawai`ian kia`i (guards) calling back. The excitement grew from onlookers as the canoes gracefully sailed by and the Voyagers secured there canoes, lowering there sails which were so beautifully decorated with symbols of their different nations. There were paddlers from huis (clubs) and other groups waiting to approach the canoes in order to transport each voyager to shore. The American Indians from various tribes (who were dressed in headdresses and clothing covered in feathers) began the initial greeting on the shoreline. After the American Indians escorted the Voyagers to the ceremonial tent, they gave the Voyagers their offerings. As the Hawai`ian portion of the ceremony was beginning, a powerful feeling overcame me. It was as if my breath was taken away. This unexplained phenomenon happened and it was very spiritual. It was so sudden. Everything seemed to have grown silent. I could hear only the elements of nature around me. The birds were chattering as if calling out, then as they flew out of the near-by trees and circled around and around over our heads. It felt as if they were giving us a message. The wind seemed to pick up and blow stronger and the smell of the ocean seemed to be more noticeable. The cold air had turned warm and comfortable. I just knew a very spiritual power was with us. Calmness came over me and I felt we were blessed. The Hawai`ian makana offering began with our 200-plus haumana dressed in ceremonial attire as we stood in front of the Voyagers. As the words of the first `oli were chanted, I felt the sun grow warmer as if we were being giving permission from the ancient Hawai`ians to present our offering. The traditional ceremonial `oli and hula were given and it was truly beautiful. When finished, all the haumana respectfully and gracefully moved back and aside to let the other nations present their gifts. The other Polynesian nations which participated were dressed in their respective cultural ceremonial attire and similarly gathered to give their gifts to the Voyagers. A time to remember! Malama Pono! (Take Care!)
April 2011
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Hui o Hawaii
Sacramento Aloha Festival HAWAIIAN
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