A gathering of 40-50 people in mid-July were treated to some of the spirit of Hawai’i by mother Kumu Hula (hulu master teacher) Mokihana Melendez and her daughter Alaka’i (leader or guide) Makana Caro of Hālau Hula Ka Lei Mokihana I Ka Ua Noe: “The Lei Mokihana in the Misty Rain” in Sequim, as part of the North Olympic Library System’s Summer Reading program.
They also visited Forks and Port Angeles, with nearly 150 participants across the three branches, NOLS Marketing Coordinator Karyn Brocko said.
On July 16, Caro demonstrated hulas and encouraged the audience, and Melendez sang played the ukulele and the ipu — a rhythm instrument made from gourds — and shared history and details about the hulas and their islands of origin.
She said that certain colors and botanicals represent certain islands. She spoke in both English and Hawaiian in such a way that the children and adults present could learn and recognize the Hawaiian words.
Melendez began her formal training in hula at age five. She said that of 96 cousins, “I’m the only one who teaches hula.”
Melendez said, “Hula is life. Hula requires all the elements to create these mo’olelo [stories]. Hula is the water, the sky, the touch of rain on your skin. We breathe, sleep hula.”
Members of the audience were invited to learn some of the visual vocabulary of a hula that spoke of our own peninsula. Melendez told the audience that she and her family (her husband and dog were there, too) always appreciate the beauty of our town on their visits and that she hopes to come back for a larger workshop.
“NOLS plans to invite Hālau Hula Ka Lei Mokihana I Ka Ua Noe back next year for a more in-depth workshop,” Brocko said.
“The library received lots of positive feedback about the program, which aligns with one of NOLS core services, to offer diverse cultural events that provide learning, social engagement and creative fun.”
Those in the audience who wished to join for a longer hula in front of the group did so. Mahina Lazzaro, who teaches Hawaiian dance locally, participated.
Lazzaro said that Kumu Hula Melendez is a friend of hers who “comes up intermittently to give hula workshops to my dancers.” She said, “I started Hawaiian dance as young child and have continued studying the Hawaiian culture my whole life.”
Lazzaro has been teaching Hawaiian dance at the Shipley Center for 14 years, with classes held Saturdays from 1-2:30 p.m.
“I encourage any new students to attend the ongoing hula class,” she said.
Lazzaro will also be holding a beginning hula class in October.
Skye Kading, 7, volunteered to try out the instrument called pū’ili on the stage, which was located in the field behind the library.
“I liked it,” Kading said, explaining that the instrument was made from split bamboo sticks.
Amaya Franich, 8, braved the stage as well, and played the ’ulī’ulī, an instrument that “kinda looked like a flower.” Beaming, Franich said it was fun.
“I love helping people,” Melendez said, “and I love educating people even more.
“By bringing it to everyone, our culture will remain alive and intact.”
To learn more about Hālau Hula Ka Lei Mokihana I Ka Ua Noe: “The Lei Mokihana in the Misty Rain,” their classes and events, visit hulamokinoe.com.
For more information about the Summer Reading Program, visit nols.org/srp, call 360-417-8500 or email to discover@nols.org.
To contact Lazzaro about classes, call 360-809-3390 or email to nagel@olypen.com.
Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen Alaka’i in training, Casara Desiree Hemakanamaikapu`uwai Caro demonstrates a hula for an audience in the field behind the Sequim Library on July 16. Her mother, Candace Marie Kananiokamokihana Melendez of Halau Hula Ka Lei Mokihana I Ka Ua Noe, said that her daughter began learning the hula in the womb. North Olympic Library System hosted the dance, history and language workshop as part of their summer reading program.
Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen / Alakaʻi in training, Casara Desiree Hemakanamaikapu`uwai Caro leads members of a Sequim audience in a Hawaiian dance in the field behind the Sequim Library on July 16. Her mother, Candace Marie Kananiokamokihana Melendez of Hālau Hula Ka Lei Mokihana I Ka Ua Noe, plays the ukulele on the stage. North Olympic Library System hosted the dance, history and language workshop as part of their summer reading program.
Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen / Alakaʻi in training, Casara Desiree Hemakanamaikapu`uwai Caro leads members of a Sequim audience in a Hawaiian dance in the field behind the Sequim Library on July 16. Her mother, Candace Marie Kananiokamokihana Melendez of Hālau Hula Ka Lei Mokihana I Ka Ua Noe, plays the ukulele on the stage. North Olympic Library System hosted the dance, history and language workshop as part of their summer reading program.
Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen / Alakaʻi in training, Casara Desiree Hemakanamaikapu`uwai Caro leads members of a Sequim audience in a Hawaiian dance in the field behind the Sequim Library on July 16. Her mother, Candace Marie Kananiokamokihana Melendez of Hālau Hula Ka Lei Mokihana I Ka Ua Noe, plays the ukulele on the stage. North Olympic Library System hosted the dance, history and language workshop as part of their summer reading program.
Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen / Alakaʻi in training, Casara Desiree Hemakanamaikapu`uwai Caro demonstrates a hula for a Sequim audience on Saturday in the field behind the Sequim Library on july 16. Her mother, Candace Marie Kananiokamokihana Melendez of Hālau Hula Ka Lei Mokihana I Ka Ua Noe, said that her daughter began learning the hula in the womb. North Olympic Library System hosted the dance, history and language workshop as part of their summer reading program.
Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen Kumu Hula Mokihana Melendez (left) and featured dancer Alaka’i Makana Caro (right) of Halau Hula Ka Lei Mokihana I Ka Ua Noe invite Sequim resident Amaya Franich to try the ‘uli‘uli, a type of gourd rattle with stones or seeds and feathers. Franich, participating in this NOLS summer reading event, said it was fun.
Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen Alaka’i Makana Caro of Halau Hula Ka Lei Mokihana I Ka Ua Noe, shows Skye Kading, 7, how to use the Kala’au, a traditional instrument used in hula performances, during a workshop in Sequim on July 16, courtesy of the North Olympic Library System. Kading said she liked the experience.
Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen / Kumu Hula Mokihana Melendez of Hālau Hula Ka Lei Mokihana I Ka Ua Noe, shares wisdom, history and language with an audience behind the Sequim Library on July 16 as part of the North Olympic Library’s summer reading program. She began her formal training in hula at the age of five. Her daughter and featured dancer Alaka’i Makana Caro listens to her left.
Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen / An audience in the field behind the Sequim library on July 16 is treated to a talk covering many aspects of Hawaiian traditional culture and history, including details about the instrument called an Ipu by Candace Marie Kananiokamokihana Melendez, who began her formal training in hula at age 5. She and her daughter visited the libraries of the North Olympic Library system as part of their summer reading program.
