For a second year in a row, HPA’s Upper School community engaged in a day of experiential learning to honor a proud moment in Hawaiʻi’s history — Lā Kūʻokoʻa. November 28 marks a major milestone for Hawaiʻi: the full and formal recognition of the Hawaiian Kingdom as an independent nation state by Great Britain, France, and the United States — the world’s main powers in 1843 and 1844. Hawaiʻi’s independence afforded equal rights and privileges to people of many different ethnicities, identities, and beliefs.
“Today is not just about independence and celebrating this particular holiday for us here in Hawaiʻi — it’s about what each of us stand for. Kūʻokoʻa means to stand separate from something else. What is it that you separate yourself from when it comes to your values, to your practices, to your family traditions? Each of us come from different and unique situation and place. So think about that. What are the things that make you uniquely fierce? You would stand up for it no matter where you had to stand. You would cross the desert, you would cross the snow, you would ride on a donkey, you would jump on a steam ship. You would spend years away from that place or that movement or that person — that one thing that you fiercely love and believe in, and possibly never return back to it — to defend it. That’s what today is about. Kūʻokoʻa,” said Upper School Hawaiian studies instructor Kumu Pualani Lincoln Maielua.
Today is not just about independence and celebrating this particular holiday for us here in Hawaiʻi — it’s about what each of us stand for.”
Upper School Hawaiian studies instructor Kumu Pualani Lincoln Maielua.
The day began bright and early with students from all three divisions working alongside HPA’s amazing maintenance team to prepare food in a traditional imu (underground oven) for a special Lā Kūʻokoʻa lunch. The kalo, ‘uala, lūʻau, and numerous other vegetables that were served came from our Ulu Mālama Terrace Garden.
During a special assembly at Gates Performing Arts Center, Upper School students performed a reenactment of the epic journey of Timoteo Haʻalilio, William Richards, and Sir George Simpson who were commissioned by Kauikeaouli (King Kamehameha III) to secure the Hawaiian Kingdom’s recognition as an independent nation state. The trio overcame many hardships — racism, extreme weather, cultural differences — in their quest to achieve what many believed to be a near impossible feat. But their commitment — driven by their love for Hawai’i and their people — was unwavering. Their success, and Haʻalilio’s ultimate sacrifice in service to his kingdom, contine to be honored today across Hawaiʻi.
The inspiring and informative day continued with a Lā Kūʻokoʻa Hoʻolauleʻa, which featured workshops, demonstrations, Makahiki games, ʻono shave ice, and live music. Community partners generously shared their expertise in support of an afternoon filled with experiential learning.
“Weaving Lā Kūʻokoʻa into academics was seized as a strong opportunity. One that may be long overdue. We set out to create a space for our school community to learn about Hawaiʻi’s most significant national holidays through memorable experiences. With the help of many hands, we were able to create an educational celebration that will stick in our students’ minds, causing them to ask more questions. It was amazing to see all the students enjoying themselves in a truly experiential learning environment rooted in academia and Hawaiian practices,” said Upper School Poʻo Kumu Kaʻai Spencer.
Mahalo nui to the following community partners for helping to make our Lā Kūʻokoʻa special programming possible:
- Education and guidance: Kauʻi Sai-Dudoit, Programs Director; Awaiaulu, Inc.
- Mega Lab indigenous science demonstration: Professor Haunani Kane; University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
- Kuʻi ʻai workshop: Ka‘iana Runnels, Mahi‘āina Supervisor; The Kohala Center
- Lupe making: Keali’i Maielua, Makali’i Captain & Vessel Maintenance Manager; Nā Kalai Wa’a Moku o Keawe
- Lei making: Lahela Spencer, Mōhalu Hawaiʻi
- Lomilomi workshop: Keola Kawai’ula’iliahi Chan; Ka Pā O Lonopūhā Academy of Native Hawaiian Healing Traditions
- Live entertainment: Kala’e & Kalenakū Parish; Kamakoa Productions
- Makahiki games: K-8 Hawaiian Studies instructor Kumu Kūwalu
- Lauhala weaving: HPA Advancement Department’s Chelsey Dickson
- Shave ice: HPA Upper School’s George White, Daena Craven, and Rika Inaba
- Screen printing: HPA Upper School’s Mary Todd, Robyn Brewer, and Līhau Wengler-Ioane
- Art workshop: HPA Upper School’s Sally Lundberg & Keith Tallett
- Mea kanu workshop: HPA Mālama Ulu Terrace Garden manager, Willie Quayle