culture, arts, religion, lifestyle, hula of Hawaii

		To talk story about Hawai`iana o Honomū, click here!
		A big mahalo to our first "Staff Kupuna," and co-founder, Aunty Nona Beamer. We wish you much happiness in your retirement! In the spring of 2004, Leilehua Yuen was asked to move her hula classes from Hilo to the community of Honomū, as most of her haumana were from that area. As she was mentored by Kupuna Nona Beamer, she had first to ask permission of her mentor before making such a change to her Halau. Well, Hawaiian soil is fertile, and the Honomū area is known for its agriculture because everything planted there grows. Three days from the initial discussion, Aunty Nona had gathered a body of some two dozen supporters to kokua the project and Hawai`iana o Honomū was born. Hawai`iana o Honomū held its first program on July 3, 2004. Below are photos from that opening event. As all living things do, the program has changed over the years. In the fall of 2004, Aunty Nona officially retired as "Staff Kupuna," turning the reins over to Kupuna Leilehua Omphroy. In spring of 2005, Leilehua resigned her directorship for family reasons. She remains a supporter of the program, and enjoys following their various adventures. At the bottom of this brief history of Hawai`iana o Honomū you will find links to some of our "cast of characters."
		We set out declaring the program: "Fun for all – kama`aina, malihini, keiki, kupuna –" And proclaimed "The rich culture of traditional Hawai`i still lives in homes and hearts throughout our islands, including right in Honomū." We were so blessed that local kupuna, cultural practitioners, artists, and haumana shared their skills - from lauhala weaving to hula, story-telling to traditional sports – at the Honomū Gym, at the edge of Honomū Village, below the famous `Akaka Falls. The free program was set up like a buffet - sample a little of each of a variety of different things presented on different Saturdays. The curriculum calendar was tied to the traditional Hawaiian months. None of our staff, including director Leilehua Yuen (above, right) was paid for the many hours per week they devoted to this program. It was purely a give of aloha. Below are some of the events with which we illustrated the Hawaiian calendar: Welehu (Jan/Feb) - Presentation on Mauna Kea, Hula and Hula Ceremony, Hula Impliments Makali`i (Feb/Mar) - Kalo a me `uala, Ka La`au, Hula Ki`i Ka`elo (Mar/Apr) - Hulu manu, mahi `ai, Lomilomi Kaulua (Apr/May) - Holo wa`a, dress rehersal for Lei Day, Lei Day Presentation at Wailoa Center Nana (May/June) - Forests, woodworking, la`au lapa`au Welo (June/July) - Kamehameha Day, Father's Day Leilehua Yuen (in hat) and Aunty Nona Beamer (in blue) at left. Bea Larsen and her `ohana were early supporters of Hawai`iana o Honomū Loving sponsors worked together to make everything happen: The Honomu Village Association John and Michele Gamble of the Palms Cliff House Inn www.YuenMedia.com our community of loving volunteers & And Mo`ikeha Yates and her dancers

		Our VERY FIRST event was on Saturday, July 3, Opening oli by Aunty Nona Beamer Activities included: Hawaiian Language with Kaliko Beamer-Trapp & Kamana Desha Beamer Storytelling and puppetry with Katie Schuerch & Karen Blue Hula with Aunty Nona Beamer & Leilehua Yuen Hawaiian Instruments with Bea Larsen Music with Don Wetzel In addition to a big mahalo for our instructors, a “Mahalo Nui Loa” is due the following for their hard work and support of this program: Clay Callaway, Laura Crane, Ron Creager, Jim English, Shirley English, Cheryl Flynn, Dustin Kapahua Hesse, Kea Kapahua Hesse, David Logan, DiAnn Logan, Duncy Middleton, Mark Staszkow, Rod Thompson, Kalei Tong, and ESPECIALLY to our beloved kupuna, Aunty Nona Beamer.
		Staff Kupuna Nona Beamer plays the Hawai`iana o Honomū theme song as Director Leilehua Yuen leads the singing
		Mo`ikeha Yates and her keiki dancers
		Hawai`i Island Mayor Harry Kim addresses the group
		Left, Mo`ikeha's keiki dancers. Right, Katie Schurch and Moana

		Mahalo to Mo`ikeha for the wonderful photos!
		Where is Hawai`iana o Honomū now? Under the loving guidance of Kupuna Leilehua Omphroy, Hawai`iana o Honomū began to focus on Hula Ki`i and storytelling. Today, they tour Moku Hawai`i and the other islands, giving storytelling and puppetry presentations using traditional mo`olelo to illustrate Hawaiian values and culture. They remain a volunteer organization, donating their time and resources. Many of their programs have been hosted by the Institute for Astronomy. Right - Kupuna Leilehua Omphroy

Opening oli by Aunty Nona Beamer