• established 1985 •
In this image, Hiʻiakaikapoliopele is depicted as the central figure peering ahead into space and time; one of her powers as a goddess, herself, being clairvoyance. She is wearing a lei poʻo featuring red and yellow ʻōhiʻa lehua blossoms, signifying her deep connection to Pele and Hawaiʻi island.
In the central background behind Hiʻiaka is an egg. It is stated in moʻolelo that Hiʻiaka was born in Hawaiʻi after being carried all the way from Kahiki in an egg, being incubated in the bosom of her eldest sister, Pele, as Pele and her family made their oceanic journey from Polapola. Hence, the name, Hiʻiakaikapoliopele, meaning “Hiʻiaka in the bosom of Pele”. “Hiʻiaka”, itself, is a combination of “hiʻi”, to carry, and “aka”, which can mean an egg or embryo.
Immediately to the left of Hiʻiaka is the Palaʻā fern, a kinolau (physical form) of hers. Surrounding Hiʻiaka are some of the various kinolau of her seven elder Hiʻiaka sisters. These sisters are:
In the epic tale of Hiʻiaka’s journey to fetch Lohiʻau as a husband for Pele, Hiʻiaka is depicted as loyal, steadfast, courageous and powerful. A formidable force, Hiʻiaka was able to overcome many obstacles and adversaries that stood in her way with the supernatural gifts bestowed upon her by Pele, such as supernatural strength and knowledge, as well as a magical skirt that, among other fantastic abilities, held the power of lightning within its folds. However, there were times where the powerful Hiʻiaka was overwhelmed and could call upon the immense mana of her ʻōhana to assist her and her companions in moving forward.
In all times, and especially in these times, healing is integral to move forward in strength. This image honors Hiʻiakaikapoliopele, the goddess of healing and the foundations of inner strength - knowing who we are and the greatness within us through honoring our kūpuna and traditions. This image represents the sentiment that through healing, courage, and perseverance, surrounded by the mana and aloha of our ʻōhana and lāhui, we may look forward into a bright future with acknowledgement and gratitude for all that have carried us to the present.
This art was created by Alika Spahn Naihe, a kanaka visual artist and game designer. See more of his work at:
Website - www.hauoliart.com
Instagram - @hauoli_art_alika
And check out the latest game created by he and his team at Theorycraftist Games, Hoa Kaua: A Hawaiian Game of War
Website - www.theorycraftist.com
To Our Hula ‘Ohana All around the World,
Aloha and welcome to Hula ‘Oni E, 2023 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel in Waikiki, Oahu. This year's festival is brought to you with love and Aloha and in celebration of hula… “all around the World.”
This year we honor the Goddess, Hiʻiakaikapoliopele. Her beauty and strength in the Moʻolelo we grew up with, are the hula we continue to perpetuate today. Her infamous journey to fetch Lohiʻau revealed so much about her character, dedication, strength, love and her special gifts.This weekend we call upon her power of healing for our ʻāina. From the devastation of fire, Hiʻiaka healed the land and created something beautiful.
In the wake of the recent tragedy for our ʻohana in Maui, we dedicate this weekend of hula to you. May our moʻolelo bring healing and inspiration. May the stories shared echo the unity and strength of our people. May hope be birthed, and love continue to grow.
The Hawaiian People are the core of the Pacific. We are not easily shaken. We are not easily waved. We are strong kānaka. Though storms may come, we stand together in solidarity.
The World is watching, waiting to see what we do. Our stories and hula will be a beacon of light, and a source of hope. Let our voices be heard. "Mai paʻa i ka leo, he ʻole kāhea mai ē!"
Let us answer the kāhea together,
Uncle Larry, Nā Kumu Hula Nani De Rego Lauaki, and Kēhaulani De Rego Kawai.
Kāne Soloist
4th Place:
Hālau: Kekaiulu Hula Studio
Kumu: Blake Ikaika Dutro
Soloist: Kainalu Aki
Mele: Holo Mai Pele Mai Kahikina
3rd Place:
Hālau: Hālau Keolakapuokalani
Kumu: Drake Keolakapuokalani Dudoit Delaforce'
Soloist: Ho'opono Costorio Carvalho
Mele: He Aloha No Na Pua
2nd Place:
Hālau: Hālau Hula ʻO Napunaheleonapua
Kumu: Rich Pedrina
Soloist: Suavecito Pomaikaʻimeahoʻohiwahiwa Sacatropez
Mele: He Mele No Kualiʻi
1st Place:
Hālau: Hālau I Ka Lima Kuhi Lani
Kumu: TC and Kuhi Southard
Soloist: Mau Piianaia Samuseva
Mele: Kalakaua He Inoa
Copyright © 2024 Hālau Hula ʻO Hokulani - All Rights Reserved.
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