Our Vision & Mission
Ka `Imi Na`auao O Hawai`i Nei Institute
…means to search for the truth of the Hawaiian culture. Through hula, we help restore the culture to its original dignity. We teach how to understand, enjoy, and appreciate the medicine, science, art, language, crafts, philosophy and religion of the Hawaiian people.
“E Mau Ke Ea, E Mau Ke Ola” Let the spirit live; may life and health flourish”
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Educational Documentaries
Keahualaka, A Door to Hawaiian Spirituality
Keahualaka is an ancient place of significance tucked into the cliff near Makana Peak in the Ke`e heiau complex. Buy your copy of the DVD for $20 plus shipping. Learn More
Hawaiians as Scientists,
“He Mele No Kane”
‘Hawaiian style’ lesson plans DVD including Teachers Study Guide
This innovative teaching tool promotes cultural learning through films and photo of traditional chant and hula combined with related lesson plans, geared to elementary through middle school classes. $15 plus shipping. Learn more…
Current News
ZOOM LINK:
April 22, 09:00 AM Hawaii
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88984642231?pwd=RjZKTExKZXNBNUhDUW44Q3IzaG9Sdz09
Meeting ID: 889 8464 2231
Passcode: 650366
One More Blessed Annual Bird Blessing Undertaken
by Dawn Fraser Kawahara, Board President Our Ka `Imi Institute’s (KII’s) annual forest Bird Blessing was definitely blessed by not only the famed mist of Koke`e on the cool, damp morning of Fri., Mar. 4th, 2022, but by some steady ua. Showers descended upon the...
“Recalling Hawaii” Now Available for Free Viewing Online:
After performances in Germany and Switzerland, the program went on to be performed to full houses on Kauai, Maui, Hawaii, Oahu, and California. Now, eleven years later, our Ka`imi Board has agreed to release the professional video of our Maui performance and a link to the printed program. The educational value of “Recalling Hawai`i” has been praised by many who were able to be at the live performances. We are pleased to be able to now share it with the world.
19th Century Hawaiian Language Manuscript
Printed copies of the two hand written booklets which comprise the “19th Century Hawaiian Language Manuscript” are available through the University of Hawai`i Library system. For information about how to access copies on O`ahu, Maui College and UH Hilo, go to the University of Hawai`i at Manoa Library website. Contact a Hawaiian collections librarian listed on the site for access to the title “19th Century Hawaiian Language Manuscript”.
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In the background is the constant whoop whoop clang cachang squeak squeak of those gigantic arm trios above our hardhatted heads. They reach up into the mists, gathering ka makani. Their presence ensures that the gravel road is maintained, allowing us fairly easy access to these pristine places.
Ekoluʻs enthusiastic wisdom oozes out and inspires me to learn more. Hopefully, the attending youth are absorbing and digesting it, too.
ʻLearn 1 thing & have funʻ, said our guide. He & his humble mother, Puanani, are continuing the legacy of ʻuncle brotherʻ. Ned Lindsey, the 2nd, who insisted and ensured that Hawaiians have a vested interest and perpetual participation in preserving our forests for future generations.
Besides learning how to trundle the truck up & down in 4-wheel drive, Iʻve learned that thereʻs so much more to know about electricity, this so-called ʻgreen powerʻ. Protecting these dear, sacred plants has become Nedʻs nieceʻs passion, our kumu hula, Sharon Balidoy. In turn, it is rapidly becoming the willing duty of us, her students.
I wrote that piece after our weeding and lunch break, while immersed and surrounded by the beauties described. Then we proceeded to descend to the shore, feasting our eyes on the vista, koholā basking, breaching, calving. Andrea of our German contingent came on a mini tour for Olowalu shave ice and whale/honu scouting. Here are some images of the blessed journey.
Pu’uhinhina
Pu’uhinahina is a historical, recreational cabin built circa 1931 in Koke’e State Park. This cozy, rustic cabin is managed and maintained by Ka`Imi Na’auao O Hawai`i Nei Institute since the early 1980’s. For information regarding accommodations, please contact kaimiinstitute@gmail.com