Pulama Mauli Ola, a unified Hawaiian language and culture event, takes place from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at Ke Kula ‘O Nawahiokalani‘opu‘u Lab Public Charter School in Keaau.
The free event is sponsored by Punana Leo o Hilo (preschool), Nawahi and Ka Haka ‘Ula ‘O Ke‘elikolani (University of Hawaii at Hilo College of Hawaiian Language).
The community is invited to be immersed in the life of the Hawaiian language and value Hawaiian history through cultural activities, performances and demonstrations.
Pulama Mauli Ola opens onstage with a student hula and song showcase, which includes all the teachers and students from Punana Leo o Hilo and Nawahi.
The showcase will be followed by live music featuring Mark Yamanaka, Ka‘ikena Scanlan, Ho‘a and Ka Leo Maoli.
Other events include original keiki games; na ‘ono o ka mala (student-grown produce and products from the Nawahi garden; na kalepa hana no‘eau (craft artisans and educational demonstrations), kukala (silent auction), as well as ‘ono Hawaiian food.
Event coordinator Ha‘amauliola Aiona links the purpose of Pulama Mauli Ola to a Hawaiian expression:
“He ali‘i ka ‘aina, he kaua ke kanaka” (The land is our chief and therefore, the people its servants).
“The Hawaiian culture is a place-based culture. We are our land and our land is us; we exist as one,” Aiona said. “Knowing where we come from and who we are is a part of our identity as a lahui and allows us to be conscious of our spiritual and physical well-being.
“Pulama Mauli Ola creates an environment or sense of place where our Hawaiian language is alive and thriving. The language is our cordage that binds us together and allows us to continue the cultural beliefs, perspectives and traditions of our ancestors.”
The Nawahi campus is located at 16-120 ‘Opukaha‘ia St. Additional parking is available at Keaau High School with shuttle service to the event. For more information, email aiona at haa@nawahi.org.