‘Ulalena Cast Member Kipe Ebana and Halau Ke Kai O Kahiki seek overall winner “three-peat” at Merrie Monarch

Posted on April 29, 2011 by Ulalena Maui

Halau Ke Kai O Kahiki seeks to “three-peat,” as overall winners, at the 48th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival.   The three-day event, held in Hilo, Hawaii, begins on Thursday, April 28th with the Ms. Aloha Hula competition.  On Friday, kahiko (traditional hula) is judged and Saturday exhibits the ‘auana (modern hula) dancers and the awards ceremony.


The highly-regarded dance group is headed by kumu hula O’Brien Eselu (an original cultural contributor, and choreographer, for ‘Ulalena) who, recently, paid a visit to the cast and employees of the Maui Theatre:

“I was crying, you know, sitting over here.  I look at the show and how it’s evolved.  Gang, when the audience gives you a standing ovation, that’s what we entertainers live for.  You got to their heart, their na’au.  Being a performer is who we are.  Onstage and offstage, it’s who we are.”

'Ulalena Original Cast Member: Kipe Ebana

Kipe Ebana, an ‘Ulalena, original, cast member, will join Halau Ke Kai O Kahiki at this year’s competition.  It will be his 7th Merrie Monarch appearance with the group.  His first time was in 1983, at the age of 13.  He, also, participated in the 2004 competition when they won first place for men’s kahiko.  Ke Kai O Kahiki was the “overall” competition winner in 2009 and 2010.

Ebana detailed his training regime with Eselu: “I’ve been flying to Honolulu, twice a week, for hula practice.  Only six to eight of the boys from our halau will compete.  Both of the mele that we’re performing, this year, honor the island of Kauai.”

At the Maui Theatre, Eselu shared stories of working with owner Roy Tokujo, producer Roger Parent and the experts responsible for the Hawaiian content in ‘Ulalena.

He worked alongside Charles Ka’upu (chant instructor), Nalani Kanaka’ole (chants and hula) and Lyons Naone III (Hawaiian martial arts or lua).   They were guided by two kupuna (elders),  Auntie Nona Beamer and Auntie Irmgard Aluli, who helped put the show’s cultural value beyond reproach.

O’Brien affirmed, “You guys: know that you have a good show.  Know that there’s no other show, in Hawaii, like this.  They try… just try – they cannot.”

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Ko’ie’ie: Rebuilding a Traditional Hawaiian Fishpond

Posted on March 29, 2011 by Ulalena Maui

On the “mokupuni” (island) of Maui Nui, within the “moku” (district) of Kula, isPhoto Courtesy: Scott Inesan ”ahupua’a” (land division) called Kaono’ulu.  In ancient times a land division or ahupua’a consisted of an area which ran from mountain (mauka) to sea (makai).  Along the shoreline area of the Kaono’ulu ahupua’a there remains an ancient fishpond called “Ko’ie’ie Loko I’a.” (also known as Rushing Waters)  Located on the “Kona” or south-side of the isle,  this fishpond is a reminder of the people who once cared for the land before us.  They were called Kanaka Maoli, also known today as the Hawaiian People.  This ancient civilization cultured a connection between the heaven, the earth, the ocean, and man.  It was through their observations of nature, and the life cycles of its natural resources, that the ancient people were able to sustain themselves.  For thousands of years, the Hawaiian Islands were an estuary of food, water, medicine, and building material for almost a population of 1,000,000.  The key to their success … FISHPONDS!

The ancient Hawaiian fishpond is a sophisticated land and ocean resource management technique.  Utilizing raw materials such as rocks, corals, vines, and woods, the Hawaiians created great walls (kuapa) and gates (makaha) for these fishponds.  The fishponds allowed the ancient Hawaiians to provide food stock for the people who lived within its ”ahupua’a.”  This food stock mainly consisted of herbivore fish such as ‘ama’ama (striped mullet, Mugil cephalus) and awa (milkfish, Chanos chanos).  The main difference between a Hawaiian fishpond from all other fishponds in the South Pacific was the unique design of the makaha or sluice gate.  The kuapa-styled or rock-walled fishpond was built near streams that entered the ocean over or near a coral reef.  It was this rich soup of organic matter, sunlight, and oxygen that created “limu” (seaweed), algae, and other micro-organisms (such as phytoplankton) – food source for the herbivore fish.  There are basically five (5) types of fishponds ranging from freshwater, to brackish water, and ocean water designs.  Ko’ie’ie Loko I’a is a kuapa-styled wall.

According to the mo’olelo or story of Ko’ie’ie, it was said to have been built by the Menehune (mystical beings).  In the 16th Century, under the rule of a Chief called ‘Umi, ten thousand (10,000) maka’ainana (commoners) were enlisted with the task of rebuilding this fishpond.  All kuapa fishponds belonged to the Chiefs and were considered “royal” or kapu to the Chiefs.  This makes Ko’ie’ie fishpond at least 500 years old.  In the late 1700s came the arrival of foreigners to the islands which would change the Hawaiian Culture forever.  Disease decimated the host culture.  The ancient way of life for the Hawaiian people would slowly collapse with the introduction of Western ideas and influences.  The beloved Islands of Hawaii would someday be governed by a foreign nation!  Along with this change, came the destruction and degradation of the Hawaiian fishponds.

Today, there are those Kanaka Maoli who hear the calling of fishpond revitalization and restoration.  The one time 11-acre fishpond of Ko’ie’ie has been reduced to 3-acres, but the foundation of the wall remains at this site.  It is my goal and “kuleana” (responsibility) to restore  Ko’ie’ie.  Currently, the wall is approximately 1,100 ft long, 20 ft wide at the base, 10 ft wide at the top, and approximately 5.5 ft high.  Prior, to the tsunami on March 11, 2011 we were approximately 750 ft. completed.  The fishpond has taken some damage!  We will continue to “holomua” and move forward with its restoration.  ‘Ao’ao O Na Loko I’a O Maui is a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring fishponds on Maui, starting with Ko’ie’ie.  The wall will stand again!  Ko’ie’ie Loko I’a is an educational, archaeological, cultural, historical, and recreational treasure which we will no longer admire as a thing of the past, but the key to our future!

Vene Chun
Konohiki,  Ko’ie’ie Loko I’aPhoto Courtesy: http://olukaipremiumfootwear.blogspot.com/2010/05/video-2010-olukai-hoolaulea.html

Chun is an ‘Ulalena cast member and founding member of  ’Ao’ao O Na Loko I’a O Maui.  For information about how to help revitalize the Ko’ie’ie fishpond, contact:

‘Ao’ao O Na Loko I’a O Maui

PO Box 1371

Kihei, HI  96753

(808) 359-1172

www.mauifishpond.com

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‘Ulalena Show Lyrics & Translation, Laka: The Forest Dweller

Posted on January 7, 2011 by Ulalena Maui

Dedicated to Laka, the Goddess of forest growth, creator of Hula, and sometimes known as the Goddess of Love, this song is performed as the Mo’o (Lizard guardian) playfully “dances” in the waterfall.

Laka is a very important Goddess in Hawaiian mythology and is often associated with Pele (the volcano Goddess) and her sisters. Laka is revered by hula practitioners and many Hula chants and dances are dedicated to her.

Below are the lyrics to the song, as well as the translation into English.

Laka: The Forest Dweller

O laka kaulana puoholani

Eo mai oe e laka i ka nahele

‘O wao ka muo e kali nei

E hanai ai a hewa ka waha

Ua hele au me ‘oe e laka e

O Le’a a Loa ke kama nahele

I ke kuahiwi ka hoa o ka wao

I ke kani o loko nei au e

E laka e, e laka e

Eo mai ‘oe i a’u e

E laka e, e laka e

E li e li ka u mai e

E hou’lu mai ka honua mai

Ulu ka ohi’a lau noka ‘ie ‘ie

O Laka kuahu wahine a Lono

O lono e hui kalani hui honua

E laka e, e laka e

Eo mai ‘oe i a’u e

E laka e, e laka e

E li e li ka u mai e

E laka e, e laka e

Eo mai ‘oe i a’u e

E laka e, e laka e, laka e

English:

O, Laka, famed one, the soul awakener

We call upon  We call upon you, o dweller of the forest

It is a bud waiting for nourishment

To partake of all there is

I stand at the forest’s edge in anticipation

To see you, o dweller in the mists

That is my burning desire

That your spirit inspires my soul

There roamed I , too, with Laka

Of Lea and Loa, a wilderness child

On ridge in forest boon companion she

To the heart that throbbed in me

To bloom forth from Mother Earth

Like the Ohia that grows & the ‘Ie ‘ie leaf

O goddess Laka of the altar,

Sister of Lono

Lono who joins both heaven and earth

O Laka, O Laka

Hark my call

You approach, it is well

You possess me, I am blessed

It is a bud

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‘Ulalena Grants a Christmas Wish for a Maui Family

Posted on December 30, 2010 by Ulalena Maui

This Christmas ‘Ulalena was blessed to be able to grant a wish for a less-fortunate Maui family.  The Ka’auai family’s only two Christmas wishes were new bedding for their 8 children, and a chance to see the ‘Ulalena show.  The family currently resides at the Hale ‘O Waine’e shelter in Lahaina, and is solely dependent on the income provided by the oldest sibling, and their father who lives and works on Moloka’i. The children range in age from 2-21 years old and are a lively bunch full of Aloha.

Front of house supervisors, Robyn Hussey and Mel Facuri-Juario received a call from a Diamond Resort Activity agent who was trying to make the Ka’auai family’s dream come true. Diamond Resorts had already generously donated brand new bedding for each of the Ka’auai children.  Both Mel and Robynn wanted to take the family’s wish a step further and approached the ‘Ulalena staff with the family’s story. In addition to a Christmas Eve show at ‘Ulalena, they were able to gather donations from the cast and crew so that each child would have a gift waiting for them under our ‘Ulalena Christmas tree. “It feels great to know we are helping someone have a brighter Christmas.” said Robynn, “Giving them tickets to the show is easy, we wanted to go a step further to make it really special.”

Dennis Pruessler, our general manager, also stepped in and sought the help of one of our dinner partners, Lahaina Prime Rib and Fish Company on Front Street. They generously offered the family a complimentary dinner before the show so they could enjoy the full ‘Ulalena experience.  The family was greeted by cast members after the show, and the family truly enjoyed themselves.

The cast members were touched by the family’s presence at the show. It reminded them that what our shows finale is all about, hope for the future of our island’s people. What a way to celebrate Christmas with this wonderful family.

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‘Ulalena Show Lyrics: Navegante

Posted on December 17, 2010 by Ulalena Maui

The scene depicting Western contact in our show is one of the most emotional. Showcasing the struggle of embracing new ways while preserving ancient ones, this scene captures the feelings of discovery, excitement, confusion, sadness, anger, and frustration in a beautiful moment.

The song “Navegante” is sung in Portuguese, paying homage to the great Portuguese explorers… Its beautiful lyrics and haunting orchestration provide the backdrop to a emotionally charged scene in our show.

Navegante (Portuguese)                                                  Navegante(English)

Ceu, estrelas e mar                                                            Sky, stars and sea

O meu canto na luz do luar                                             My song by the light of the moon

Ceu e mundo a girar                                                         The sky and the world turns

Navegante, me entrego ao mar                                      Navigator, I give myself to the ocean

Eu vou viajar no horizonte sem fim                              I will travel over the horizon

Procurar la no fundo de mim                                         Searching deep within me

Tanto ainda nao sei nao sei                                            So many things that I do not know

Sinto a forca do mar                                                        I feel the strength of the sea

Sinto a forca da vida e mim                                           I feel the life-force within me

Ceu e mar… Imensidao                                                   Sky and sea… the immensity

Vento, velas, luar                                                              Wind, sails, glow

Vento, velas, eu vou                                                          Wind, sails, I am going there

Vento, velas, luar                                                               Wind, sails, glow

Vento, velas, eu vou                                                           Wind, sails, I am going there

Essa lua no mar                                                                 This moon on the water

Eum encanto beleza e paz                                                Such enchantment, beauty, & peace

Festa para o olhar                                                              A feast for the eyes

Minha estrela assim vai me guiar                                  My star will guide me

Eu vou viajar no horizonte sem fim                              I will travel over the horizon

Procurar la no fundo de mim                                         Searching deep within me

Tanto ainda nao sei nao sei                                            So many things that I do not know

Sinto a forca e os misterios do mar                        I feel the strength & mysteries of the sea

Sinto a forca da vida e mim                                           I feel the life-force within me

Ceu e mar… Imensidao                                                   Sky and sea… the immensity

Vento, velas, luar                                                              Wind, sails, glow

Vento, velas, eu vou                                                          Wind, sails, I am going there

Vento, velas, luar                                                               Wind, sails, glow

Vento, velas, eu vou                                                           Wind, sails, I am going there

O meu canto na luz do luar                                             My song by the light of the moon

Navegante, me entrego ao mar                                       Navigator, I give myself to the ocean

Eu vou viajar no horizonte sem fim                              I will travel over the horizon

Procurar la no fundo de mim                                        Searching deep within me

Sinto a forca, a forca do mar                                   I feel the strength, the strength of the sea

Sinto a forca da vida e mim                                    I feel the life-force within me

Ceu e mar… Imensidao                                            Sky and sea… the immensity

Imensidao                                                                  The immensity

Ceu e mar… Imensidao                                           Sky and sea….the immensity

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Hina: Lunar Light

Posted on November 24, 2010 by Ulalena Maui

One of the most beautiful scenes of the show features Hina, an important Goddess in Hawaiian mythology, who is said to reside in the moon. The song Hina: Lunar Light is beautiful and tranquil, with lyrics describing this beautiful goddess. The scene features Hina dancing in the moon over the beautiful ocean.

Hina, goddess of the moon, as depicted in 'Ulalena

Hina: Lunar Light

Nana aia i luna

Look, above

Aia ho’i ke konane mahealani

There, the full moon shines brightly.

E maliu mai, E ho’omalie

Gaze in wonder at its serenity.

O Hina i ka malama, ka wahine o kalani

The goddess Hina, the woman of heaven

Akuli ke aka o ka mahina i ka moana

The reflection of the moon is cast on the ocean.

Ho’ohihi ka mana’o i ka nani a’o Hina

The mind is entranced with the beauty of Hina.

Nana aia i luna

Look above

O Hina i ka malama, ka wahine o ka lani

The goddess Hina, the woman of heaven.

Nana aia i luna

Look above

Aia ho’i ke konane mahealani

There the full moon shines brightly.

E maliu mai, e ho’omalie

Gaze in wonder at its serenity

O hina i ka malama, ka wahine o ka lani

The goddess Hina, the woman of heaven

E iho mai e Hina mai ka lani mai

Hina descended from the sky,

O kona alahula ke anuenue

Her path was the rainbow.

Nana aia i luna

Look above

O Hina i ka malama, ka wahine o ka lani.

The goddess Hina, the woman of heaven.

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‘Ulalena: Lyrics and Translation (Hawaiian-English)

Posted on November 18, 2010 by Ulalena Maui

‘Ulalena: The Mind Reaches Out (snip)

The song ‘Ulalena is an adaptation of a Hawaiian Chant/Poem called ” ‘Auhea Wale Ana ‘Oe”, in which the author describes the beauty of the ‘Ulalena rain that falls on the slopes of Pi’iholo. The author likens the rain and beauty of upcountry Maui to that of the feeling of love for another. This song is performed as the finale of ‘Ulalena, and many guests say that they find themselves humming the tune long after they leave the theater.



‘Ulalena: The Mind Reaches Out

Au a’e nei ka mana’o

E pili mei ke aloha

I ka ‘oni o ka lihilihi

Ilihia i ho nei loko

I ka ukana o ke aloha

I ka ukana o ke aloha

chorus:

Oh where are you ‘Ulalena rain?

Oh where are you ‘Ulalena rain?

Auhea wale ana ‘oe, E ta ua ‘Ulalena

The mind reaches out

To be here near the loved ones

With a single glance

A thrill possesses me

With this thing called love

With this thing called love

Chorus 3x

This is the only song in the show that offers a built-in English translation of the Hawaiian that is sung in the song. The chant that is spoken before and during the song is translated as follows:

‘Auhea wale ana ‘oe,
E ta ua ‘Ulalena.
Kahito maila i uka,
I ka nani o Pi’iholo.
Ua like me ka ‘opua,
Noho maila i ‘Awalau.
Au a’e nei ka mana’o,
E pili me ke aloha.
Aloha ‘o Makawao,
I ka ua ‘Ukiukiu.
He tiu na ka Naulu,
I ke tula o Kama’oma’o
‘O ka loa ka’u i ana,
I ka ‘oni o ka lihilihi
Ilihia iho nei loko,
I ka ukana o ke aloha.
Ha’ina mai ka puana,
Maka’ituana he inoa.

Where are you,
Oh ‘Ulalena rain,
Adorning the uplands
Amid the beauty of Pi’iholo
Like the billowy clouds
That grace ‘Awalau,
My thoughts are drawn
To being together
with my beloved.
Beloved is Makawao,
In the ‘Ukiukiu rain.
A watcher for the
sudden Naulu showers,
Over the plains of Kama’oma’o.
I measured its whole expanse
With but a fleeting glimpse.
a thrill has overcome me,
From the effects love.
Let the story be told
A name song for Maka’ituana.

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‘Ulalena Character Spotlight: Kihawahine the Mo’o (Lizard) Guardian

Posted on November 10, 2010 by Ulalena Maui

‘Ulalena’s unique story includes many prevalent figures from Hawaiian mythology. An audience favorite, the Mo’o (pronounced Moe-oh) guardian Kihawahine adds spectacular acrobatics to the show. However, Kihawahine is also one of the most famous and highly regarded Mo’o in Hawaiian History and Mythology. The Mo’o are monstrous, lizard-like reptiles believed to inhabit inland fishponds and water-sources.  Often, humans who had passed away were dedicated to the goddess Kalamainu’u to become Mo’o. In fact, the Mo’o Kihawahine was once a chiefess on Maui. Upon her death, her bones, wrapped in Kapa cloth, were laid to rest in Mokuhinia a royal fishpond surrounding the island of Moku’ula in Lahaina.  Kihawahine not only became a Mo’o, but also a goddess and was worshiped in heiaus of Maui and Hawai’i island.

Kihawahine’s home, Moku’ula, is located not far away from the theatre in which ‘Ulalena is performed. Filled in to make a baseball field, the island is carefully being excavated by an organization called The Friends of Moku’ula, which hopes to restore it to its original state. Apart from being the home of Kihawahine, Moku’ula was also an important center of religious and political life.

In ‘Ulalena, the Young Ali’i (chief) happens upon a beautiful waterfall in the forest. Kihawahine makes her presence known and mesmerizes the chief with her prowess. The chief is awestruck and respectfully watches the great Mo’o as she plays in her freshwater home.

Resources:

Hawaiian Mythology, M. Beckwith

Hawaii Alive website

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‘Ulalena Character Spotlight: “Kalo” (Taro root)

Posted on November 3, 2010 by Ulalena Maui

Kumulipo Chant

Kalo (pronounced Kah-low) is the staple food of the Hawaiian people. The plant has mythological and cultural significance to the Hawaiians, and is a central character in our show. The character Kalo portrayed in the 'Ulalena ShowKalo is so important to the Hawaiian people that it is considered the elder sibling of the Hawaiian race. Legend tells of a stillborn child produced from the union of Wakea (Sky Father) and Ho’ohohukalani (his daughter from Papa–Earth Mother). The child was named Haloalakanaukapalili, and his mother sadly placed him in the ground. From Haloa’s remains sprouted a Kalo plant, and it is from his death that Hawaiians found their source of life. It is said that the health of the Kalo symbolizes the health of the Hawaiian people. If it is healthy and flourishing, so are they. Therefore it was, and is important that the Hawaiians cultivate Kalo with the utmost care.

In ‘Ulalena, Kalo is a sprightly character who is seen dancing throughout the story. The creators included him in the performance because of his importance to Hawaiian culture. Kalo helps to illustrate the important relationship of the Hawaiian people and nature. As the story unfolds, he can be seen in the audience and on the stage observing and reacting to whatever is happening. At the climax of the story, Kalo is pushed out of the land by industrialized agriculture and the arrival of Western influence. Audience members are then asked to “revive” him, a symbolic request to ask for support in the sustainability of Hawaiian land and culture. It is wise to remember that if Haloa is part of the land, then Hawaiians are part of the land. If we care for the land, we care for the people. This is a wise statement, not only for Hawaiian culture… but also for the world.

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‘Ulalena cast combines Maui’s history, culture, and mythology

Posted on October 19, 2010 by Maui

‘Ulalena opened its doors July 21st, 1999. Eleven years later, it has become a renowned stage production that combines Maui’s history, culture, and mythology.  ‘Ulalena’s special blend of authentic Hula Kahiko, use of Hawaiian language, music, acrobatics, and state-of-the-art technology combine to create a unique emotional journey. Central to the success of the show rests on its creative teams’ efforts to create an experience that would accurately, tastefully, and eloquently represent the Hawaiian people and their culture.

‘Ulalena’s unique cast and crew also contribute to the success of the production. Their love for their island home and for the culture of the islands permeates through the work they do onstage and off. Involved in community service, education, and preservation, the cast truly embodies the Aloha spirit.

This year, the ‘Ulalena cast has helped various organizations such as the Olowalu Cultural Reserve, Hale Makua, and the A Keiki’s Dream Organization by donating their time, hard work, and talents to the community.  The cast believes that all of their efforts truly enhance their experience onstage, and contribute to the success of the show itself.

Whether a Kama’aina (local) or a Malahini (visitor), ‘Ulalena pulls at our heartstrings and reminds us of what it is to be human. In the articles to come, we hope to share details of our unique show, as well as cultural and community activities we participate in. We welcome you aboard our Wa’a (canoe) and hope you enjoy the journey.

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