Last Saturday February 19th, Ke Kula ‘O Nawahiokalani’opu’u the Hawaiian immersion elementary and high school and Punana Leo o Hilo the Hawaiian immersion preschool located in Puna, Hawai’i hosted their 8th annual Pulama Mauli Ola concert and fundraiser. This was a public event for the Puna and Hilo districts, having free admission for the community.
The concert included the Hawaiian immersion schools themselves performing oli (chanting), mele (singing) and hula (Hawaiian dance), a variety of local Hawaiian musicians, Hula Halau’s (Hawaiian dance groups), as well as solo performances from students and teachers who have a passion for music.
Besides the great performances, the ‘Ono (delicious) food and the fundraising vendors brought to you by the school is what brings most of the community said senior Aloha Andaya-Bohol. The food options were traditional Hawaiian dishes such as, laulau, kalua pig, lomi salmon, etc, to local Hawaiian barbeque favorites such as steak plates prepared by the students and faculty.
Other events include the keiki (children) activities which were modern games, but also integrated with pa’ani kahiko (traditional Hawaiian games), the educational fair where outreach programs or small local businesses come to promote their mission or products, and hana noe’au (a craft fair) selling Hawaiian arts, crafts and clothing.
Although the entire concert and fundraiser was hosted in both the Hawaiian and English language I believe it is a great way for the community to immerse themselves in the Hawaiian language and culture by supporting these schools.
Ola Ka 'Olelo 