Regular programs allow visitors and residents to learn from island experts
WAIKIKI, HONOLULU, HAWAII – The traditions of the islands come alive at
Waikiki Beach Walk with complimentary cultural programming offered Sunday
through Friday at Mana Hawai’i-Spirit of Hawai’i Nei, a new specialty shop
that offers authentic Hawaiian and locally-made merchandise and services
alongside Hawaii inspired products. Special guest speakers/presenters are
invited for select Saturday presentations.
Programs are free and open to the public, with regular events including
strum-along ukulele classes, during which visitors are able to learn a few
chords of traditional Hawaiian songs and interact with the teacher to learn
about the ukulele’s place in Hawaiian culture. Other unique programs include
hula lessons for keiki (children) and parents, sessions on Hawaiian wellness
such as lomilomi, and Hawaiian language lessons.
According to partner and Operations Manager Maile Lee-Tolentino, Mana
Hawai’i has much to share with everyone who walks through the doors. „We
want Mana Hawai’i to be a gathering place and a resource for learning rather
than just another retail venue. Sharing, exchanging ideas, learning new
things – this is what we want people to experience when they spend time with
us at Mana Hawai’i.“
Classes are held Sunday through Friday from 10 to 11 am at Mana Hawai’i,
located on the second level of Waikiki Beach Walk, a vibrant new gathering
place and shopping, dining and entertainment district in the midst of
Waikiki. On select Saturdays, special guests will be invited to share their
knowledge on a variety of topics.
The weekly schedule includes:
SUNDAY
Learn to play Hawaiian Hula Implements. Sponsored by Hula Supply Center Hula
Supply Center will be hosting a work shop on the history of Uli Uli, Ipu and
other implements. In addition, lessons on how to play these implements will
be taught.
MONDAY
Finding the Balance-A Conversation on Hawaiian Spirituality Sponsored by The
Lomi Shop Come, join the circle and learn about the breath, the HA-the life
force of HA-Wai-I, the „Lomilomi of the Soul“-how we strive to balance and
culturally bridge the past and the future as we journey through the modern
world while maintaining a spiritual core. Come with us as we soulfully
„Voyage through Health and Wellness“ and take a moment to offer gratitude
and find balance. It’s all about practice.
TUESDAY
‚Olelo Hawai’i Kakou-Let’s learn some Hawaiian!
Sponsored by Native Books
This gathering is to help you practice your Hawaiian language. The focus is
on the pronunciation of Hawaiian words, place names, and direction names. A
little bit of language goes a long way, especially in helping you understand
a Hawaiian world view.
WEDNESDAY
Hula for keiki-and mom and dad too!
Sponsored by Mike „Papa“ Kop of The Original Hawaiian Traders with material
provided by The Hula Supply Center.
Learn simple hula moves to get little ones going, and then mom and dad can
join in. This is an opportunity to learn something about how we celebrate
our love of Hawai’i nei, spend time with family and have some fun, while
working out a different set of muscles! The family that sways together stays
together.
THURSDAY
Strum along ‚ukulele class (for adults and akamai keiki) Sponsored by
Ukulele House (limited 5 per class) The ‚ukulele is a favorite instrument of
locals-young and old. Everyone plays, and if you don’t-you should learn!
We’ll teach some basic chords and a few melodies so you can strum along.
Take a lesson or two, watch someone else play, do what ever it takes to join
in-that’s the Island way.
FRIDAY
Hula Lessons by Germaine Haili from Na Mea Hawai’i Learn simple hula moves
to get little ones going, and then mom and dad can join in. This is an
opportunity to learn something about how we celebrate our love of Hawai’I
nei. Spend time with family and have some fun, while working out a different
set of muscles! The family that sways together stays together.
SATURDAY (select Saturdays during the month) Special Guest Day On select
Saturdays, a special guest will be featured to share his or her mana’o
(knowledge) about a significant aspect of the Hawaiian culture. Topics
covered may include weaving a hala leaf bracelet or polishing a kukui nut
while learning about the items‘ cultural significance, and talk story
sessions that will cover distinctive topics such as issues facing the
Hawaiian community today, or discussions of ocean-related occupations.
For more information on Mana Hawai’i and the cultural programming, call the
store at (808) 923-2220.
Waikiki Beach Walk(TM) is the largest development project ever to be
undertaken in Waikiki. The 8 acre area, bordered by Kalakaua Avenue, Lewers
Street, Kalia Road, Beach Walk and Saratoga Road, has been completely
rebuilt and is now a vibrant showcase and gathering place in the new
Waikiki. With a total cost of $535 million, it features an outdoor
entertainment plaza, 40 new retailers, six great restaurants, and four
hotels. Incorporating a design theme that celebrates Hawaii’s voyaging and
ocean heritage, and taking advantage of the island’s cooling trade winds and
year-round excellent weather, Waikiki Beach Walk is the consummate
expression of Hawaii today — a place where people come to be enlivened with
warm hospitality, a rich confluence of cultures, and nature’s precious gifts
from land and sea.. For more information, visit www.waikikibeachwalk.com.
