The Winds of Kekaha & The Nā Peʻa Youth Waʻa Program

On August 28th, 2020, Hui Aloha Kīholo’s cultural director, Kuʻulei Keakealani, was joined by the crew from Nā Peʻa (Ruth, Kalani and Nahaku) to talk story about the winds that blow at Kīholo and the broader North Kona region. Our guests share more about the Nā Peʻa youth sailing program, including a hula that teaches us the parts of the waʻa (canoe).

 

Nā Makani o Kaʻūpūlehu

Kuʻulei shared a diagram containing the names and descriptions of winds of Kaʻūpūlehu, which represents knowledge collected from lifetimes of kilo (observation) by lineal descendants of Kaʻūpūlehu. Each wind carries with it specific characteristics such as strength and direction. Winds named include Mumuku, Kēhau, Kūhonua, and ʻEka. Do you know the names and characteristics of the winds that blow where you live?

Makani o Kaʻūpūlehu_2.jpeg
Makani o Kaʻūpūlehu_1.jpeg
 

Nā Peʻa

Nā Peʻa is a youth program sponsored by the Nakoa Foundation that seeks to instill the fundamentals of sound leadership and effective stewardship of land and marine resources by perpetuating the traditions and practices of the traditional Hawaiian sailing canoe. Learn more by visiting the Nā Peʻa website.

Mailelauliʻi and four other waʻa were constructed from a mold made from Kaʻelemakule, which is one of two koa ʻōpelu fishing canoes (the other being Alapiʻi) that is cared for by the Nakoa Foundation. Learn more about these waʻa and participate in a hula that teaches the parts of a waʻa at timestamp 32:00.

Nā Māhele Waʻa

Ihu, Hope, Ama, Akea
Paʻalia

Pou, Heiau, Kaʻele
Paʻalia paʻa

Paepae, Peʻa, Kia
Kiʻiau

Manu, Kupe, Pale kai
Kakua

Wae, ʻIako, Moʻo
Moamoa

Lōkahi, Laulima
Kau ka peʻa, holo ka waʻa

 

Elevating ʻIke Kūpuna

We have an inherent connection with the natural elements, such as the winds that bring our rain and allow us to sail across the ocean. ʻŌlelo noʻeau (traditional proverbs and poetic sayings) are one glimpse into the depth of ʻike kūpuna (traditional knowledge) and pilina (intimate relationships) formed with these natural elements.

Ke ʻEka, makani hoʻolale waʻa o na Kona.

The ʻEka breeze of Kona that calls to the canoemen

to sally forth to fish. Refers to Kona, Hawaiʻi.

ʻŌlelo Noʻeau 1690

 

Ka makani kūkulu peʻa nui, he ʻEka.

The ʻEka, the wind that sets up the big sails.

When the ʻEka wind blew in Kona, Hawaiʻi,

the fishermen sailed out to the fishing grounds.

ʻŌlelo Noʻeau 1467

Source: Pukuʻi, Mary Kawena. ʻŌlelo Noʻeau Hawaiian Proverbs & Poetical Sayings. Honolulu, Bishop Museum Press, 1983.

 

Mahalo nui loa

Mahalo to everyone who came along to Kīholo with us. In this time of social distancing it is an honor to still come together and share the vibrancy of Kīholo with you in safe and responsible ways. Kīholo smiles.

 

Kuʻulei Keakealani

Educator, cultural practitioner, poet, storyteller, activist, and our Cultural Director at Hui Aloha Kīholo, Kuʻulei wears many hats, but wears them all with a strong sense of the history of her ancestors and the responsibility we have to perpetuate Hawaiian culture for future generations.

 

Ruth Mersburgh

Ruth is a participant of the Nā Peʻa Youth Waʻa Program for the past 7 years and is now a Director for The Nakoa Foundation.

 

Kalani Nakoa

Kalani is the founder and a Director of The Nakoa Foundation which supports the Nā Peʻa youth program in collaboration with many other organizations. Kalani also serves as an instructor for Nā Peʻa.

 

Nahaku Kalei

Nahaku serves as Hui Aloha Kīholo’s Executive Director, as well as the Board President for The Nakoa Foundation, and an instructor for the Nā Peʻa Youth Sailing Program.