Kaʻū Nui Hiehie i ka Makani pays tribute to Mary Kawena Pukui’s beloved homeland of Kaʻū—the place that formed her understanding of the world, her knowledge of our customs and practices, and her deep awareness of both the natural and spiritual realms. This evening of mele, moʻolelo, and memory honors Pukui’s enduring influence through the voices of her descendants, collaborators, and those inspired by her life’s work. Together, we celebrate her profound contributions to Hawaiian language, song, and story, and the legacy that continues to flourish through generations.

Hawaiian Hall Stage Program
Kamehameha Schools Children’s Choir The program begins with the joyful voices of keiki from Kamehameha Schools, whose songs remind us that the seeds of aloha ʻāina and ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi continue to thrive among our youth. Their performance honors the spiritual and cultural foundation that Mary Kawena Pukui helped to build.

Ke Ala a ka Jeep
Talk Story with Myrna Kamae Beloved musician and cultural advocate Myrna Kamae shares stories about the creation of “Ke Ala a ka Jeep,” a mele that captures moments of travel, humor, and aloha from the heart of Kaʻū. She also reflects on her late husband Eddie Kamae’s extensive mele research and collaborations with Pukui and others who preserved the poetic language of our people. Her reflections illuminate the bridges between mele, memory, and movement across generations.

Kaʻū Through Kawena’s Eyes
Talk Story with Laʻakea Suganuma Pukui’s grandson, Laʻakea Suganuma, reads from his personal journal recounting a field trip he took with his grandmother to Kaʻū around 1960. Through his memories and reflections, we see Kaʻū as she saw it — a homeland of moʻolelo, wind, and wisdom that shaped her scholarly and poetic voice.