Mahalo to everyone who came out to our Halloween Bash!!!!! We will be posting photos soon! In the meantime, please mark your calendars for the two events listed above. We are especially excited for the Breakfast with Santa event which is for children 5 and under. Sure to be lots of fun!!!!

Lots of new and exciting things!!!

Aloha! We're excited to announce that the Internationally acclaimed group Te Vaka will be joining us for a Community Meet and Greet on Thursday, September 29 from 6:30. Potluck, please join us, see flyer for more info.

We are also excited to announce that we've got some new media in at the Kipuka Native Hawaiian Resource Center! Some of the new titles we've received are the 2010 Merrie Monarch DVD set, The Epic Tale of Hi`iakaikapoliopele, The Kamehameha Set Books 1 - 6 "The Rise of a King" and many more! We invite you to come check it out!

Keiki Kamp Malama I Ke Ao

This year's Keiki Kamp served to stimulate both old and young as well as presenters and participants alike, making it a success in our eyes. Shared with the children were conservation practices our ancestors employed to ensure that the entire population of the Ahupua'a were well fed, and healthy. They learned about the importance of fish ponds to an Ahupua'a, fishing and gathering practices, the amazing skill our ancestors possessed in agriculture with our lo'i, and having over 300 different types of kalo varieties. Throughout the event great emphasis was placed on the reverence and care our ancestors had for their environment and their families.

They were able to learn a hula, make 'ohe hanu ihu (bamboo nose flutes), they were able to make their own pa`i `ai, play in a lo'i, interact with a "tidepool" learn not just the words, but the story behind the song 'Opae E, create crafts, learn traditional mo'olelo and more.

We could not have done this without the kokua of our volunteers, to all of you who so graciously gave of your time, energy and aloha to assist us with making this event, MAHALO. MAHALO NUNUI. Our appreciation for you is immense, as is our aloha for you. Again, MAHALO.

Princess Ka'iulani The Movie

All we can say is WOW!!! We had a great turnout for the screening of the film last Friday! We had a wide range of people attend, from those who had never been to the Hawaiian Cultural Center, to people whom we've missed dearly, and of course, those who are active supporters, and actively engaged within our Hawaiian community. We were excited for the opportunity to not only present the film, but to engage in discussion. It was important to us that our community felt comfortable with sharing their mana'o, as well as listening to all the ideas, comments and opinions shared. With that level of community participation, the wide range of attendees, and the feeling of aloha that was definitely flowing, it was a success. Mahalo piha to all of you who came out and attended, Mahalo to Hui Hawai'i O Utah Hawaiian Civic Club for their wonderful partnership, as well as the many hands that assisted with making this event possible. Please enjoy some photos from that night below.

Engaged in the community

The Lei Aloha O Ka 'Ohana Team has been busy working for and in, our community. Just last week, we hosted the Teen Chocolate Challenge at our monthly kanikapila session, and this week, we, along with Hui Hawai'i O Utah Hawaiian Civic Club, are presenting a free showing of the film, "Princess Ka'iulani" on Friday, September 24th at the Hawaiian Cultural Center at 6:30 pm. We invite all of you to attend, and to share your mana'o following the film. It's an ideal way for us to gather as a community and discuss our history, and culture and a perfect way to continue to strengthen our Hawaiian community here in Utah.

October is a busy month for our community as well! We are excited at the opportunity to provide a safe, fun, and enjoyable Halloween activity for the entire family!!! We'll have games, such as bobbing for apples, doughnut eating, and more! This is also our very first 'Trunk Or Treat' activity, so we invite everyone to participate and help make it a great one for the children!See the flyer below for specifics.

A great example of our getting involved in the community is the upcoming "Portugese Kings Of Comedy" show, we are humbled that Hawai'i's very own Frank DeLima will be at the Hawaiian Cultural Center for a potluck meet and greet on Thursday, October 28th!! Come join us at 6:30, bring your 'ukuleles and guitars and your favorite dish to share and meet local comedy legend Frank DeLima!! He, along with Augie T will be performing at Thanksgiving Point on Friday, October 29th. Make sure and get your tickets early!

Local favorite, 'Ekolu, will be in Salt Lake City, on Saturday, November 6th!!! This is their first time visiting here, let's make sure they keep coming back by going out and supporting the event! Local bands Natural Roots, and Rebel Zion, headed by the always amazing Kimo Watanabe, will be opening for 'Ekolu, and did you know......the venue, BarDeluxe, is also owned by a Hawai'i local?! What an awesome way to not only hear island music, but to support local talent and businesses as well!!! Make sure and get your tickets, they're going fast!

Don't forget, you can still sign up for Lei Aloha sessions, they're fun, culturally engaging, and they're free. Want to know more about what you'll learn in the sessions? Mai hilahila! Just give us a call at 801-56-ALOHA and we'll be glad to share!