Closing An Old Chapter & Opening A New One

Aloha, this is Kawahine Aulelava or Kumu Kawahine to my haumana (students). It has been many years since my last post on this blog and thereʻs been many changes that life has thrown my way, most of which have been exciting adventures and life lessons. Some of the more significant changes include my move to Las Vegas, the status of my halau and the most exciting of all has to be the official status of being a grandma to two beautiful kaikamahine (girls).

I've known for quite a while that my relocating was inevitable. With the birth of my first moʻopuna (grandchild) it was time. I had put it off for years but the timing was pono (right). Of course there was kuleana (responsibility) to take care of, one of which was the halau. With a heavy heart I made the decision to close the halau. Many students had in fact moved on, some began to work, a few went off to college and others had moved away.

In May 2020, my kāne (man), Uncle Mike and myself finally made the big move to Nevada, to join my son, his wife and their growing family. My son has been living in Vegas since 2009, and now has two beautiful little girls. I am a proud grandmother whom they call "Tūtū Mama". In Hawaiian culture, grandparents play a huge role in raising children, and I take that role very seriously. Therefore, as I mentioned earlier it was time. I took that leap of faith and joined my OHANA. Itʻs a move that I donʻt regret. I have the privilege and honor to support and be a part of raising two little people who one day will be able to share the best values of our culture, heritage and traditions.

During my last semester at the University of Hawaii West Oahu, I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Digital Technology and Hawaiian Studies. For my senior project, I produced and hosted a Podcast called "Hawaii Abroad Audio Podcast," which features native Hawaiians that have relocated from Hawaii and currently or in the past live either abroad or in another state. My vision was to highlight Hawaiian culture by using technology in a digital platform and share the stories of our KĀNAKA MAOLI (native people), and give them that platform to share their manaʻo (thoughts) where we all can learn from each other and understand different situations. Ironically, soon after starting that podcast journey, I also relocated and joined the same community I interviewed on my podcast. Therefore, I also share a lot about my own experiences of living in our beautiful Hawaii Nei. I have the opportunity to share my journey and adventures. I am able to share information and educate the community about my Hawaiian culture and the knowledge given to me by my elders.

One year after I relocated, I received an offer from the founders of a Polynesian Dance Studio in South Summerlin of Las Vegas who happens to be my nephew and his Tahitian wife to teach hula. I am now the Kumu Hula and Hawaiian Cultural Specialist for Pupu Ori Te Nati. The studio initially focused on Tahitian dance and is now expanding its reach to teach and share other Polynesian cultural dances. Their first link was with Samoa's fire knife dance and now Hawaii's hula. The goal is to one day offer authentic dancing from all across Polynesia. I am so elated to teach again and share my love and knowledge for my culture with my new students and the community of Las Vegas.

I can't say that my future is promised, but it is bright and includes my family and my haumana. I look forward to sharing more about my cultural journey, other opportunities, and future adventures. You are invited to tune in and join me in my journey of sharing and learning. As we say in the Hawaiian language, “Aʻohe pau ka ʻike i ka halau hoʻokahi.” It means, “Not all knowledge is taught in a singular school.” Therefore, learning happens everywhere. I intend to share what I learn and hope you learn along with me. Mahalo nui loa!