Source: bizjournals.com
Ko Olina Resort and the Hawaiian Council are working to give Native Hawaiians a larger role in shaping the visitor experience and create economic opportunities for West Oʻahu residents.
"Our work with Ko Olina starts with a simple belief: Native Hawaiians should lead how our culture and stories are shared with visitors, Kūhiō Lewis, CEO and president of the Hawaiian Council", said. "We have a responsibility to tell those stories with care and to make sure the experiences we create also provide opportunities for our people."
According to Lewis, the partnership gives Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, artists and businesses a platform to engage with visitors while helping preserve and perpetuate Hawaiian culture. The Hawaiian Council also works with Ko Olina on storytelling initiatives throughout the resort, helping visitors understand the history and significance behind Hawaiian place names and cultural sites.
"Rather than just seeing a sign with a Hawaiian word, we're telling the story about why that was named, what it was," Lewis said. The partnership includes a range of cultural experiences for visitors and residents, including lauhala weaving, lei-making, Hawaiian cultural workshops and stewardship activities. Ko Olina and the Hawaiian Council also collaborate on Kaula Luau at Ko Olina, which combines storytelling, music and hula to immerse visitors in Hawaiian history and traditions."
"Our cultural practitioners, musicians and hula artists bring their knowledge and perspectives to that experience, helping audiences understand the meaning behind what they see and hear," Lewis said.
Beyond cultural programming, Lewis said the partnership is intended to support economic development on the Leeward Coast by creating opportunities for Native Hawaiian practitioners, performers and small businesses.
"Our people need opportunities to practice and share their culture, earn a living and support their families here in Hawaiʻi," Lewis said. "Through our partnership with Ko Olina, we want to strengthen West Oahuʻs economy by creating jobs, supporting local businesses and building career pathways for residents in hospitality, arts, culture and entertainment."
The effort will expand in December when Ko Olina and the Hawaiian Council debut The Epic Tale of Hiiaka the Hawaiian Goddess. Lewis said the Ko Olina production will help the organization preserve culture, drive economic development and expand opportunities for local performers and cultural practitioners.
Read more Hawaiian Council
Kaula Lūʻau
at the Ocean’s Edge at Ko Olina
92-100 Waipahe Place Kapolei, HI 96707
Call: 808-897-2906
Visit: luaukaula.com
Hiʻiaka The Musical
at the Ocean’s Edge at Ko Olina
92-100 Waipahe Place Kapolei, HI 96707
Call: 808-897-2906
Visit: hiiaka.com