<![CDATA[HĀLĀWAI

<![CDATA[HĀLĀWAI - News]]>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 05:20:35 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Calling all educators! Hui o Nā Kukui invites you.]]>Wed, 13 Feb 2019 18:41:04 GMThttp://www.halawai.org/news/calling-all-educators-hui-o-na-kukui-invites-you

Hālāwai is gathering a list of teachers who work in any and all learning environments and communities. We want to know who you are so we all can share opportunities and resources. We know you have creative ideas and a natural thirst for knowledge. We can learn from each other. We want to celebrate your good work. If you are a kumu, educator, mentor, coach, counselor, professor or just have aloha for helping folks grow and learn, please send an email with any questions or ideas to John-Mario at jmsevilla@halawai.org.

Hālāwai board member Kapena offers the name of this special hui: The Kukui tree has many uses. It’s mostly known for the kukui nuts’ use as candles or torch lights. The kukui is a symbol of enlightenment.

]]><![CDATA[Spotlight on Nathan Aweau, a distinctive voice in Hawaiian music]]>Thu, 07 Feb 2019 19:44:50 GMThttp://www.halawai.org/news/spotlight-on-nathan-aweau-a-distinct-voice-in-hawaiian-music

When Nathan Aweau is in New York, you can probably find him at Sottocasa Pizzeria in Harlem, one of his favorite spots in the City. When he’s not talking story with friends over a delicious slice, he is performing at a venue in the tri-state area, mesmerizing the audience with his sound. “His vibrato-rich tenor and falsetto will make you feel like you are soaring in your seat” was how the Honolulu Museum of Art described his vocals. But it is not just his vocals that will catch your attention, his mastery on the electric bass and acoustic guitar has simply been described by many as extraordinary.

Nathan grew up in a musical family and started his journey playing the piano, guitar, and ukulele in addition to his natural ability to sing. He then learned to play the saxophone and percussion. The electric bass did not enter his repertoire until high school when he became the second guitarist and lead singer of a heavy metal band. Things were going well until the bassist, whom Nathan had recruited mostly on the basis of her cuteness, learned that she was not very good on the electric bass and quit the band. This forced him to learn to play the electric bass, which he did fairly quickly. “After a few years, I realized that I could do a lot of difficult techniques that most bassist could not do,” he says. The electric bass would eventually become his main instrument.

His song-writing talent and creativity also emerged at a young age, when at just 8 years old while playing his ukulele, he started singing a song that he had made up on the spot. “My father looked at me and asked ‘what song is that?’ I just shrugged my shoulders and said ‘I don’t know it was something I made up.’” While this caught his father by surprise, Nathan assumed this was something that everyone could do. Years later, he would go on to write pop, adult contemporary, jazz, and classical songs.

It wasn’t until a challenge from Don Ho in 2001 that Nathan even considered writing a Hawaiian song. “During my 16 year stint as Don Ho’s bassist, he expressed that even though he like[d] my songs, he didn’t think that I could write a Hawaiian song.” At this time, Nathan was in the process of creating his debut solo album and decided to accept the challenge and write a Hawaiian song to include on the album. This song turned out to be E Apo Mai, which won the Na Hoku Hanohano award for 2002 Song of the Year. “Because of this, I turned most of my attention to writing Hawaiian music.”

In addition to the 2002 Song of the Year award, his debut solo album won the award for Traditional Hawaiian Album of the Year and he was awarded the Male Vocalist of the Year honor. Nathan was just getting started. In the years since, he has released five critically-acclaimed solo albums, including one in 2007 on which he played every instrument, and an album as one-half of the band HAPA, which reached #7 on Billboard Magazine's World Music chart. He has also won well over a dozen Na Hoku Hanohano awards, three of which were for Male Vocalist of the Year. Even with all the accolades that he and his albums have received there is still an opportunity to improve on perfection. “I think all my songs are better live than the recording,” he says, as performing his songs live can add an atmosphere of intimacy and authenticity that cannot be captured in recordings. “I'm very anal in my studio and can be too meticulous about the final results. So, sometimes perfection can be cold.”

Warm up with a live performance by Masters of Hawaiian Music: Nathan Aweau, George Kahumoku Jr., and Kawika Kahiapo on Tuesday, February 12 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Chatham, New Jersey at 7:00 PM [get your tickets] and on Wednesday, February 13 at the Cutting Room in New York City at 7:30 PM [get your tickets]

To learn more about Nathan Aweau or to see if he's coming to an area near you, visit his website, Facebook page, or subscribe to his Youtube channel.

]]><![CDATA[In Memoriam: Keo Woolford]]>Tue, 29 Nov 2016 03:34:15 GMThttp://www.halawai.org/news/in-memoriam-keo-woolford

It is with great sadness that we create this page in tribute of Keo, beloved member of our ʻohana, teacher, and friend. His Hawaiian name Keomailani means “The calling or the answer from above” and was given to him by his teacher, kumu hula Robert Cazimero.

We hope that you will share your personal stories and memories of Keo. Please stay tuned for a New York gathering to celebrate his life.

Mahalo all for all your compassion and aloha. Our dear Keo passed this afternoon. I know this has shaken us all and that we are deeply grieving his loss. Please take care of yourselves during this fragile time. Mahalo Veronique for setting up the photo link https://goo.gl/photos/qPhgSw8TJ4SdVZRY8 I remember Keo teaching us the "Water is Wide." It is heart breaking, but it reminds me of the kindness, the grace, the humor, the rigor, the joy, and tenderness he shared and embodied. My tears seem to have no end…

I have prayed Na ‘Aumakua, realizing that Keo is now an ancestor and that he will guide us. His last text to me said, “sleep well and talk whenever u need. trust your naʻau”. Kumu has talked about listening, waiting for the hō’ailona, the signs that tell us that the ancestors and the akua hear us. We both saw signs that spoke to us of Keo’s passing. She saw this anuenue and I saw a single hoku. I am sure you will all see your own signs in the coming days and know that Keoʻs grace still blesses us. Trust your naʻau.

Naʻu me ke aloha menemene,
Roberta Uno
Hālāwai, Board of Directors

RE: OFFICIAL STATEMENT: THE PASSING OF WRITER/DIRECTOR/ACTOR/KUMU HULA, KEO WOOLFORD

Aloha All-

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart to advise you of the passing of artist, Keo Woolford. The multi-hyphenate, multi-disciplinarian talent suffered a severe stroke on Friday, Nov. 25, 2016. He passed away this afternoon.

As a writer, director, actor, and newly appointed Kumu Hula of Kumu Hula Robert Cazimero’s Halau Na Kamalei o Lililehua, he is most known for his successful one-man show, “I-LAND,” which was the inspiration for his indie blockbuster, “The Haumana.” With a long career that has taken him to London as the King in “The King & I,” and around the world as a member of popular Hawaii boy-band, “Brownskin,” and everywhere else in between, he is a talent and extraordinary human being that will be missed.

We kindly ask to give the family their privacy.

If there are any questions, please contact me.

And for those who haven't had the chance to visit him, we will be here until 10:30 pm when hospital visiting hours end.

Mahalo nui loa,
Tracy Larrua
POI PLANET
PR/MarCom/Production

]]><![CDATA[Island to Island]]>Wed, 30 Mar 2016 18:14:37 GMThttp://www.halawai.org/news/island-to-islandWhat a great night! Amazing food, fantastic drinks, and wonderful company. We were so excited to see you all come together to support the Hokule'a's voyage and to celebrate the Polynesian community here in New York City.

Kalepa Baybayan even sent us a special message from the Hokule'a's stop in Cuba:

Missed the event? Or just want to learn more about the vendors and donors? Here's everyone who participated!

The food and drinks

Noreetuh provided the incredible food. From giant bowls of truffle taro chips around the room to crowd favorites kalua pig and poke, big scoops of rice, ono teriyaki chicken, veggie lo mein, and kim chee, there was no shortage of delicious food. Noreetuh staff lovingly hovered over the food all night, offering explanations to the uninitiated and comraderie with those excited to see the foods they miss from home. (We're also proud to have the distinction of being their first event which such enthusiasm for the spam musubis.)

Julie Reiner designed our two all-you-can-drink signature cocktails, and Tom, our wonderful bartender, batched them up and garnished each one. Here are the recipes:

Island to Island
2 oz white rum
.5 oz pineapple
.75 oz ginger
.75 oz lime
Dash Ango
Lime wheel ginger candy

Pacific Swizzle
2 oz vodka infused w/ herbal tea (rosehip, hibiscus, lemongrass).
.5 Lime juice
.75 Simple Syrup
.25 Passion fruit puree
Garnish: orchid

Koloa Rum Company donated the rum in the Island to Island. Their award-winning, premium, single-batch Hawaiian rum is produced at their distillery near Kalaheo, Kaua`i.

OCEAN Organic Vodka donated the vodka in the Pacific Swizzle. Their superior organic, value-added agricultural product supports the local economy, and raises awareness for ocean conservation.

The entertainment

Andy Wang and Jason Poole originally planned to play for a bit each, but so enjoy playing together, they spent the whole night as a duo. And lucky for us! Between Andy's nahenahe slack key and Jason's soulful singing, we had a beautiful night of Hawaiian classics to remind us of home and bring the tropics to a midtown lounge.

Ori Manea Tahitian Dance School brought the crowd to their feet with a lovely aparima and an exciting ote'a. Catch videos of their performance here! They offer classes, so if you've been thinking of dusting off some rusty hips or learning something brand new, come join them.

The silent auction

Mark Cunningham donated this signed sculpture called "Go Surf Now," with a special Hokule'a shout out on the back. It's going to look great hung up in someone's home.

All the ladies in the house were admiring Raimana Cowan's Kakura silk gown. And the lucky lady who picked it up has two even luckier daughters who'll get to fight over who'll wear it first.

Curb Your Aloha sent these awesome hats and t-shirts to spread a little aloha to the Big Apple.

Kulani Fernandez who opened the the first Waikiki pick-a-pearl stand in 1976 went on to own many jewelry shops before retiring last year. She sent us these beautiful pieces, which we're looking forward to seeing on the ears, necks, and wrists of attendees at our future events!

MiNei Designs' Katye Killibrew sent us a stunning freshwater pearl with Tahitian pearl drop necklace in handwoven taupe silk. She makes each of her pieces by hand, and we were excited to see this one of a kind piece go to a good home at silent auction.

Cultivate Hawai'i donated these gorgeous sets of dishtowels. We don't know how anyone's going to bring themselves to wipe anything with them.

Chef Ed Kenney of TOWN, Kaimuki Superette, and Mud Hen Water sent over these gift certificates to his awesome restaurants. Someone's going to have a few great meals when they get back to Hawaii.

Pacifica donated baskets full of cosmetics, candles, and other luxuries. They generously sent us enough that we could make a few!

We also want to send a special shout out to Amanda Romero our photographer at the event! Check out more of her images of this great event:

And we want to thank YOU ALL for being there! New York City is a busy place, and we're honored you chose to spend the night with us. Your donations will help us get the word out about the Hokule'a's arrival here in June and help make the arrival a memorable event for everyone.

If you weren't able to attend, but still want to support our efforts, you can donate and find other ways to get involved at our Hokule'a in NYC resource center.

]]><![CDATA[March Pau Hana Recap]]>Wed, 16 Mar 2016 16:09:39 GMThttp://www.halawai.org/news/march-pau-hana-recapBy Andy Wang

Last night's pau hana was fantastic! Whether you shared a hula, song, drink or laugh, thank you for being there. It reminded me of what makes Halawai so special to me -- our community, which is so full of boundless energy, varied talents, and unconditional aloha. In a city as diverse as New York, it is truly unique.

It was also a night of healing. We gathered to wala'au and have fun for sure, but the strength of one's community is also about supporting and helping one another. I personally felt this in a big way. Thank you for joining me in sending a prayer and song to Uncle Cyril Pahinui who just underwent lung surgery. We hear the surgery went well but a long road to recovery lies ahead. Pua Ali'i 'Ilima O Nuioka performed a heartfelt rendition of the love song Waika dedicated to their kumu hula, Vicky Holt Takamine whose husband Ed passed away unexpectedly last month. Halau Na Pua Mai Ka Lani Nuioka, a relatively new halau branch in New York City, is mourning the untimely passing of their Kumu Kale Pawai. Their graceful movements and smiling faces throughout Aloha Aku, Aloha Mai were an homage to their kumu and a true celebration of life.

Playing music, and particularly playing music for hula, is an experience that I cannot always put into words. There is a relationship and interplay there that binds us. Always a privilege to perform with fellow musicians Claudia Goddard and Chris Davis, but even better when complemented by impromptu hula by Halawai board members Nersa Miller and Kim Davidson. 'Ukulele whiz Kris Kato joined me for kanikapila. (Sorry, we don't practice!) We had a blast dusting the cobwebs off of Po La'i La'i for dancers from Halau Hula O Na Mele Aina O Hawaii.

By the way, you may have noticed Jacqueline Hazen, with her video equipment, who is producing a short documentary featuring Kris and Halawai board member Keoni DeFranco on what it means to practice and teach oli (Hawaiian chant) in New York. A highlight for me was when Kainoa Ebernate got up with 'ukulele in hand to sing Pua Ahihi. His voice was sublime. And I finally got to eat some sushi while enjoying his music. And of course, we wrapped up with everyone singing Hawaii Aloha.

The night was full of special moments. For those of you who missed it, I hope you can make the next one. For those who were there, you nourished my soul and made the pau hana great. Mahalo nui.

What did you think of the new venue? Let us know what you thought about the event in the comments!

]]><![CDATA[The Eddie is On! UPDATE: False Alarm]]>Wed, 10 Feb 2016 15:54:55 GMThttp://www.halawai.org/news/the-eddie-is-onUPDATE: The contest has been called off :( http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sports-breaking/eddie-is-a-no-go/

The Quiksilver In Memory Of Eddie Aikau is a big wave surf tournament named after one of Hawaii's most legendary figures. The contest is only held when the conditions are absolutely perfect - consistent waves topping 40ft in Waimea Bay - which means that it hasn't been called in six years.

Organizers have decided today's the day!

Watch it live here, starting at 12:30pm ET!

]]><![CDATA[Hokule'a in the News]]>Sat, 06 Feb 2016 16:01:30 GMThttp://www.halawai.org/news/hokulea-in-the-newsCheck out the Waterfront Alliance's lovely write up on the Hokule'a and its visit to NYC.]]><![CDATA[You Now Have So Many Poke Options]]>Thu, 04 Feb 2016 16:03:28 GMThttp://www.halawai.org/news/you-now-have-so-many-poke-optionsCheck out Hawaii's own Ligaya Mishan's review for the New York Times of all our new poke spots. ]]>