Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 10, Number 12, 1 December 1993 — Kūpuna videos available [ARTICLE]

Kūpuna videos available

Hālau 'Ike Hawai'i and Ke'ena 'Olelo Hawai'i of the University of Hawai'i-Mānoa have produced three Hawaiian language videos depicting the unique lifestyle and traditional knowledge of kūpuna. "Nā Hulu Kūpuna" (the Esteemed Kūpuna) videos document three kūpuna: Kaleipua Pahulehua, a shell lei-maker from Ni'ihau; Katherine Maunakea, a Nānākuli homesteader and practitioner of traditional Hawaiian medicine; and James Hū'eu Jr„ a taro farmer from Ke'anae on Maui. Pahulehua discusses her knowledge of the art of shell lei-mak-ing, demonstrating and describing the preparation of the pūpū o Ni'ihau, and the kui and pīkake styles of stringing.

Maunakea sings her well-known composition "Puna Ku'u Aloha" and demonstrates the medicinal uses of kukui, noni, lā'i, laukahi, and pōpolo. With rural Ke'anae as a backdrop, Hū'eu shares his extensive knowledge of taro cultivation and demonstrates the process of preparing and planting the lo'i kalo. "Nā Hulu Kūpuna" was directed by Nā Maka O Ka 'Āina and includes music by the Kahelelani Serenaders, Denis Pavao and Mike Ka'awa. Copies of the videos are available for purchase by calling Nā Maka O Ka 'Āina at 988-6984 or Makalapua Ka'awa at 956-3557.