Ke Kula Kupaa O Ka Pakipika, Kupaa School of Pacific Island Arts

08/29/2026

While 2026 has brought many challenges—including the loss of loved ones, extreme weather in the Midwest, and tropical storms affecting Hawaiʻi nei and the South Pacific—I am grateful for the meaningful work within our community to address misconceptions about Kānaka. Kūpa`a!
I have to share a special opportunity. Aunty Kekoa Enomoto, a dedicated advocate for Kānaka on the continent and a board member of Pa‘upena Community Development Inc., is traveling to Chicago to share vital information. Thanks to connections through Da local boy, Hinano, and Lehua, the Aloha Center Chicago ACC and Ke Ali`i Victoria Ka`iulani Hawaiian Civic Club-Chicago have been included in an event featuring her tomorrow.
Event Details: Yes, tomorrow!
- Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026
- Time: 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
- Location: Gichigamiin Museum, Library, 3001 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201 (next to the Aloha Center-ʻEA, Evanston Annex)
- Parking: Free parking in the rear of the building
- Refreshments: Light refreshments provided (potluck contributions welcome, but not required)
This informational meeting will address important questions regarding Hawaiian Homestead land, including:
- Are you interested in acquiring Hawaiian Homestead land?
- Are you currently on the waitlist, or unsure of your status?
- Do you have questions about how the process works?
Please see the attached newsletter for more information about her organization, which directly addresses the unique needs of Kānaka on the continent.

06/01/2026

Hana hou, THIS Saturday, June 6th, Afta lunch! The perfect follow-up workshop after a dose of Power Strums 101! Register through the link below. Learn songs of the Hawaiian cowboys, who were around long before America West. It'll feel like riding a bike. Saddle up for Paniolo Country!

Saturday, June 6, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. at Old Town School of Folk Music�The Hawaiian Cowboy, Weeha! (all instruments) �Presented by Carole Lanialoha Lee, Aloha Lives By Design LLC�

Pacific Island Songs 2-Part Series: The Hawaiian Cowboy, Weeha! |

05/29/2026

We are coming back online! Maka`ala hou! Ke Kula Kupaa O Ka Pakipika, Kupaa School of Pacific Island Arts!!!
We have piloted the new Hakikino Series through the Aloha Center Chicago ACC - `EA, our Evanston Annex.

1-A Kupuna session for those chair-bound and standing movements in a Northside Assisted Living space.
2-Ran a second round of Hakikino in the form of a workshop at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Lincoln Square in celebration of NHOPI.
3-Hit it twice at Northwestern University, working with the students of `Ukulele & Hawaiian Clubs Last Fall Semester and earlier this month.
4-Impromptu at Uptown's Argyle Night Market offered to all ages.

Ke Kula's Keiki Branch: All registrations will be in-person. Parent and keiki.
Several dates will be scheduled for Open Registration with a QR attached to rsvp. Including special events during the Summer and Fall of 2026.
Adult Classes: 2027 Register through the Gichigamiin website for `Ukulele Power Strums and Hakikino. Coming soon are Tahitian Drumming and a Kanaka Kitchen Culinary Program!

All this to lift Hula at-large and strengthen our kino so that we can better execute the art form we love so much.
THIS is where Hula begins, not choreography/routines, etc.

In the meantime, think forward. Begin to condition your mind, body, and soul. Papa Ola Lokahi POL, Hawai`i's State Agency.

Maui Strong Emergency Response Group (Maui-SERG), in partnership with Papa Ola Lōkahi, is coordinating culturally grounded disaster response and recovery eff...

05/24/2026

Right ON! E ho`omaika`i to the Tough Titas who tackled that Hakikino a`ole pilikia!!! Kahookele Napuahinano Kahanu did a fantastic job on the floor as `Alaka`i for this Hakikino Workshop! Super awesome to see returning students from last year's Pilot Workshop. Mahalo for the return - Mahalo for the new students who came to learn more about Hakikino. And a lovely surprise visit from none other than our very own Gail Tyler, who now has the TIME to hang out...HA! Māhalo kākou to Erika Ochoa of the Dance Department at the Old Town School of Folk Music for recognizing the value of Hawai'i's cultural practices. Honi, my Sistah:) It was a blast from the past to be back on the floor for a moment to witness the Legacy of this program. Wai maka, so proud of you, Hinano. ALL of us, three generations back, you are the fourth. We are all smiling. Aloha wau `ia `oe!

02/21/2026

Beach weather today! E hele mai kakou to the Master's Slack Key Concert at the Old Town School. Not too late to purchase your tickets!
Masters of Hawaiian Music ticket link:
https://www.oldtownschool.org/.../02-21-2026-masters-of.../
Come on out. Bring your good vibes. Kahea for them!

02/19/2026

Perfect timing for a touch of Slack Key music in Chicago! Also THIS Saturday, 21, 2026. HOIA!

Please come out and bring your good vibes and spirit of aloha to the Masters of Hawaiian Music Tour - Spring 2026 at the Old Town School of Folk Music. Blessed with the return of George Kahumoku Jr, Led Kaapana, and Sonny Lim.

The Concert will take place in the Myron R. Szold Music & Dance Hall located at 4545 N Lincoln Avenue, 60625. The concert will begin at 8:00pm. You may purchase tickets by calling 773.728.6000, or online at the link below.

https://www.oldtownschool.org/.../02-21-2026-masters-of.../
https://youtu.be/XEUMtTNqyf8