Mahalo To Our Sponsors!

As we say ALOHA to 2024, we would like to once again extend a huge MAHALO to our 2024 sponsors, who were mainly responsible for the success of our workshops, seminars, and events. We couldn’t have achieved our goals without your support.

A Look Back At 2024

• `Aha Keiki Day to celebrate Makahiki with games, activities, and plate lunch

• `Aha `Ōpio Workshop to help college students transition to the workforce

• Ipu Heke Workshop for alaka`i with Kumu Keli`i Rannels

• U.S. Coast Guard Eclipse Event – Supported hula workshop for cadet performance

• Supported Hawai`i Clubs’ Annual Lū`au (American, Georgetown, and George Washington universities)

• Lasting Legacies: Performed at “A White House Celebration of AA & NHPI Heritage & History”

• Lei-Making Demonstration at U.S. Botanic Garden, Washington, D.C.

• King Kamehameha I Lei Draping Ceremony, U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, D.C.

• Congressional School’s `Ohana Night with arts, crafts, hula performance, and Hawaiian buffet

• Papa Ola Lōkahi’s Nā Makawai Conference, Honolulu, HI

• `Aha Ohana Day - Lei-Making, Storytelling, La`au Lapa`au, Kōnane Tournament, Bamboo Stamping, and Hula with Hawaiian Plate Lunch

• He Alo a He Alo (Face to Face) – Helped facilitate Papa Ola Lōkahi’s VA gathering to engage with Native Hawaiians living on the Continental east coast

• PathForward Give Back Day with Nestlé’s Pan-Asian Network to provide hygiene kits to the homeless

• Blessing Baskets – Supported this event to provide holiday dinners to underprivileged `ohana of Tucker Elementary School in Alexandria, VA

• Monthly Community Hula Workshops

• Bi-Monthly Newsletters

SAVE THE DATE! Mochi Madness! Saturday, March 15, 11AM – 4PM, Arlington, VA

Get ready to compete, indulge and have a blast! Join our Hanafuda and Kōnane tournaments and relish a delightful array of ono (delicious) mochi and tea! Fun for all ages! Details to follow.

'Aha Kūpuna - Honoring Those Who Came Before Us 

Join us for a heartfelt tribute during Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! This elegant evening will feature a delicious dinner, an exciting auction, and exhilarating entertainment from Hawai‘i, as we honor our kūpuna (elders) and celebrate the connections that bind us to our past. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details—this is an event you won’t want to miss!

USCGA APAC Hosts Their First Makahiki Event

In November, the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) Asian Pacific American Council (APAC) made history by hosting their very first Makahiki event, a celebration of culture, connection, and community. This milestone gathering brought together participants and guests for an afternoon filled with good food, exciting activities, and the spirit of aloha.

Makahiki, a traditional Hawaiian festival, honors the harvest season and promotes peace and unity. In keeping with this spirit, the event offered attendees a taste of Hawaiian culture through various activities and shared experiences. Highlights included ono (delicious) food that showcased traditional island flavors, as well as spirited competitions that had everyone on the edge of their seats. Yes, at times some games were competitive, friendly, of course, in the form of traditional Hawaiian games that tested skill, strength, and strategy.

We are especially proud to recognize our very own alaka‘i (leader), Moani Farias, who played a significant role as a co-organizer and host of the event. Moani’s dedication to sharing and preserving Hawaiian culture was evident in every detail, from the planning stages to the execution of the celebration. Her passion and leadership ensured that the event stayed true to its cultural roots while creating a welcoming environment for all who attended.

The Makahiki event was more than just a celebration; it was an opportunity to build bridges, foster friendships, and share the beauty of Hawaiian traditions with the USCGA community. Mahalo nui loa to APAC, Moani Farias, and all who participated in making this event unforgettable. Your efforts have set a powerful precedent for cultural appreciation and connection at USCGA. Here’s to many more celebrations to come!

E Komo Mai (Welcome) To Our New Staff Members

Community Connections

John Vierra, a Georgetown University senior, has started a series called Island Innovators. Its purpose is to feature young entrepreneurs by sharing their mo`olelo (stories) and fostering relationships with peers and mentors. Please subscribe to John’s newsletters in support of these promising young adults.

Jan 17 (Fri): Discover how to instill the practice of lāʻau lapaʻau in education and primary care in the latest episode of the Moana Nui Podcast. Join us at 1:00 p.m. HST / 6:00 p.m. EST as you explore Keoki Kīkaha Pai Baclayon’s inspiring journey as an educator and healer of lāʻau lapaʻau. You’ll learn about key principles, significant moʻolelo (stories), and the importance of mentoring the next generation of lāʻau lapaʻau practitioners. Keoki will also share his experiences and insights into the challenges, successes, and future of integrating cultural health practices at Waimānalo Health Center. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of Indigenous healing traditions! Listen on Facebook Live.

Jan 25 (Sat): Experience Winter Blast: A Family Day of Native Games at the National Museum of the American Indian from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free, family-friendly event celebrates Indigenous games from the Arctic to Argentina. Learn and play traditional Hawaiian games like pala'ie (ball and hoop), kōnane (Hawaiian checkers), and hū (spinning kukui nut tops), led by the E Ala E Hawaiian Cultural Center (EHCC). Try Bolivian games and participate in the Mahkisina Meehkintiinki (Moccasin Game), hosted by Myaamia cultural experts. Admission is free and open to all!

Feb 2 (Sun): Hele mai, Maryland! Papa Ola Lokahi is embarking on a nationwide listening tour – From California to New York City and everywhere in between! Make sure your voice is heard. Join us at the Odenton Library (1325 Annapolis Rd, Odenton, MD 21113) from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. to be part of this important conversation. Contact kanakaconnections@papaolalokahi.org to register. Learn more at polhi.org/Listening!

Feb 5 (Wed): Hele mai, Washington, D.C.! Papa Ola Lokahi is embarking on a nationwide listening tour – From California to New York City and everywhere in between! Make sure your voice is heard. Join us at the Indian Gaming Association (224 2nd Street  SE, Washington D.C. 20003) from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. to be part of this important conversation. Contact kanakaconnections@papaolalokahi.org to register. Learn more at polhi.org/Listening!

Feb 5-26 (Wed) & Mar 5-26 (Wed): Celebrate Mahina 'Ōlelo Hawai'i (Hawaiian Language Month) with Kamakakehau Fernandez! Join his 8-week online journey to explore the beauty of 'Ōlelo Hawai'i—open to everyone, whether you're in Hawaii or beyond. In this course, you’ll learn the foundational structure of the language, master Hawaiian syllables, confidently introduce yourself, engage in basic conversations, and discover simple Hawaiian prayers to inspire positivity for the new year. With over 30 years of experience, Kamakakehau will guide you every step of the way! A small donation is requested for this enriching experience, and classes can continue upon request. Sign up now by messaging Kamakakehau on Facebook at 6:00 p.m. and embark on this adventure to connect with Hawaiian culture and language!

Feb 27 (Thur): Experience the Masters of Hawaiian Music as Grammy and Na Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning artists George Kahumoku Jr. (slack key guitar), Herb Ohta Jr. (‘ukulele), and Sonny Lim (slack key and lap steel guitar) bring the spirit of Hawaiʻi to The Barns at Wolf Trap in Vienna, VA. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the performance begins at 8:00 p.m. Tickets start at $33 (limited availability). Don’t miss this enchanting evening of Hawaiian music, culture, and folklore. For details and tickets, visit www.wolftrap.org.

Interested in sharing something in our Newsletter? How about a special event or announcement?

Please send an email to: Marilyn@ealaehcc.org