update
Kahului >> Following the Native Hawaiian sunrise vigil at Waihi Beach Park, more than 200 people (many of whom are dressed in Lahaina’s signature red) today, as part of an all-day event, I attended a noon ceremony on the large lawn of the University of Hawaii Maui College in Kahului. “Kipuni Aloha No Maui” remembrances are being held statewide in support of those killed in the August 8 Lahaina wildfires.
Kumu Hula Hokulani Holt, in collaboration with other kumu hula, cultural practitioners, and leaders of the island’s faith community, led the gatherings to include Hawaiian olis, songs, Christian hymns, Buddhist chants, prayers, and prayers. Other comforting and uplifting gestures were shared.
Kui Gapello, 39, a Wailuku resident, said he had come to Wailuku as a member of the Royal Order of Kamehameha and had helped with the Awa ceremony at an early morning event as Holt’s student.
“If we can always speak up and heal Aina and heal the people, I am waiting for it,” he said.
Like many on Maui, haiku artist Abi Molinas, 58, still struggles to comprehend the enormity of the Lahaina disaster. He said $400,000 worth of his sculptures and paintings were destroyed along with the Wyland Gallery on Front Street, adding that Lahaina is an important arts center on Maui.
In addition, several members of the wife’s extended family in Lahaina are believed to be homeless, dead or missing. He came to the wake to seek solace among the community.
“I tried to work from home but I couldn’t. I’m so shocked. I don’t know, now I’m in an empty space. I’m lost. I’m completely lost,” Molinas said. Told.
Noon vigils were also held at Hana and Keawanui Fishponds on Molokai. The day’s activities conclude with a sunset ceremony at the Kaanapali Golf Course. The program will begin at 5:00 pm and the vigil will run from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Parking is available at the golf course and at the Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort. The Kaanapuri Trolley provides transportation to all resorts in Sunset Vigil, golf courses and Kaanapali.
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previous coverage
Hawaii’s renowned kumu hula and cultural practitioners are holding vigils throughout the day and night today to provide spiritual healing from the tragedy caused by the Maui wildfires.
All Hawaiians, and people around the world, say “Kipuni Aloha No Maui,” which means “hug your beloved Maui,” during sunrise, noon, and sunset ceremonies led by spiritual leaders. You are invited to participate in the vigil.
Here’s the schedule for today’s events:
>> Sunrise ritual from 6am to 7am.
>> Noon Ceremony from 11:45am to 1:15pm.
>> Sunset ceremony from 5pm to 7:30pm.
“This wake will center on emotional and spiritual healing rooted in traditional Native Hawaiian practices and will be attended by leaders of many faiths,” a flyer promoting the event said.
“This is a time when all of Hawai’i must look deep within themselves and unite in solidarity and healing as one big family,” said Kumu Kamanaopono Krabbe. “We thought it would be ideal if we could bring together all our cultures and religious and spiritual beliefs.”
Practitioners of traditional Hawaiian culture throughout the state, along with leaders of various faiths, offer prayers and ceremonies for the deceased from sunrise to sunset.
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