Family, The Never Ending Circle of Aloha

SOLD OUT!

2012-01-04T15:08:00.000-08:00

Our Pre-Sale tickets for this year's Poke Challenge are officially SOLD OUT!!!! We have reserved a LIMITED amount of tickets for sale at the door, but they are single purchase only. So first come first serve! Excited to see you all there!!!

Poke Challenge 2012

2011-12-20T16:47:00.001-08:00

It's that time of the year again!
Tickets are now on sale!
$3 a ticket with a limit of 3 tickets per person.
Be sure to pick them up at the

Hawaiian Cultural Center
741 W Smelter S.
Midvale

Tickets are limited, so first come, first serve!

Call 801 56 ALOHA for more info

Mele Kalikimaka

2011-12-20T14:21:00.000-08:00

With it being the Holiday Season, how better to celebrate than with our Native Hawaiian family and friends here in Utah. We had a few special guests at this past Kanikapila last week Friday. All of whom definitely welcomed the Christmas spirit. Mahalo to Uncle Andy Dudoit of Moloka'i for serenading us with his beautiful voice, and also Tausala Utah for their graceful dancing. Who could forget good 'ol St. Nick who just so happened to take some time out of his busy schedule up at the North Pole to be with us here in Midvale, Utah. Here are some photos of those who got to meet the big guy.

*For those who weren't able to get a printed copy, feel free to email us at hawaiianculturalcenter {at}gmail{dot}com for a copy. We apologize we weren't able to get them all printed in time*

Again, on behalf of the Ka Lama Mohala Foundation and the Lei Aloha O Ka 'Ohana staff, we'd like to thank all those who have continually supported us in our cause. We look forward to better serving our Native Hawaiian community in the future, and are excited for the new year.

Mele Kalikimaka ame Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!!!

2011-11-17T14:09:00.001-08:00

As we continue to grow and work with our Native Hawaiian Community here in Utah, we are constantly searching for ways to address the needs of our people. With that we would like to invite you take the time to answer the 3 brief questions on the left side of the page.

Mahalo

2011-10-31T13:50:00.000-07:00

Mahalo to everyone who came out to our Halloween Bash!!!!! We will be posting photos soon! In the meantime, please mark your calendars for the two events listed above. We are especially excited for the Breakfast with Santa event which is for children 5 and under. Sure to be lots of fun!!!!

Presentation with Ku Kahakalau October 13th

2011-10-07T14:12:00.000-07:00

We made the news!!!

2011-09-29T14:44:00.000-07:00

The Hawaiian Cultural Center was happy to host this morning's 'Good Day Utah' set with Big Buddah. Here's a clip of our very own Aunty Kathleen Madsen sharing more about the Lei Aloha O Ka 'Ohana program. Enjoy!

Lots of new and exciting things!!!

2011-09-06T12:55:00.000-07:00

Aloha! We're excited to announce that the Internationally acclaimed group Te Vaka will be joining us for a Community Meet and Greet on Thursday, September 29 from 6:30. Potluck, please join us, see flyer for more info.

We are also excited to announce that we've got some new media in at the Kipuka Native Hawaiian Resource Center! Some of the new titles we've received are the 2010 Merrie Monarch DVD set, The Epic Tale of Hi`iakaikapoliopele, The Kamehameha Set Books 1 - 6 "The Rise of a King" and many more! We invite you to come check it out!

Kipuka

2011-08-12T15:50:00.000-07:00

Lei Aloha O Ka 'Ohana is proud to announce the opening of
Kipuka
A Native Hawaiian 'Ohana Resource Center

Hours:
Monday 3pm - 5pm
Tuesday-Friday 11am - 5pm
Saturday By Appointment Only

'Ohana Retreat

2011-08-10T15:31:00.000-07:00

Mahalo nunui to all those who came and supported the 'Ohana Retreat this past Saturday at the Lindon Harbor. But a special Mahalo to those who organized the event, Hui Hawai'i 'O Utah, Team Kalea and Kauahi 'Anaina. It was a major success and it is always refreshing to see our Native Hawaiian community come together to support each other.

In addition to the originally planned activities such as the fishing tournament for the kids, and the free canoe rides, The Lei Aloha O Ka 'Ohana team brought a few culturally enriching activities to the table. We sponsored a lei making workshop, along with a Lokahi activity that helped our family participants not only learn the importance of unity, but also helped them brush up on their 'Olelo as they helped in guiding their family members through the obstacle course.

Mahalo to all those who aided in the success of the event. Not to mention all those who brought the 'ono food to share. We look forward to another eventful 'Ohana Retreat, and hope to see everyone there!!!

NEW SESSION!

2011-08-01T14:27:00.000-07:00

August 8th we'll be starting a NEW session of Lei Aloha O Ka 'Ohana. Just what are these "sessions"? It's a family friendly activity where you learn about Native Hawaiian culture by means of mo'olelo (traditional stories), mo'okuauhau (genealogy), wahi pana (storied places), mele and oli (songs and chants), 'olelo Hawai'i (language) and MORE! You'll get introduced to Hawaiian history, crafts, indigenous perspectives and more. And best of all, it's FREE! We even provide dinner to make it easier for families to participate. PERFECT FOR FAMILY HOME EVENING! There are fun activities for na keiki, so bring the whole family! To register, please call 801-56-ALOHA.

The first 5 families to register and attend the first session will receive a $20 gift certificate to the taro patch store, so sign up today!!!!

Keiki Kamp Malama I Ke Ao

2011-07-29T12:33:00.001-07:00

This year's Keiki Kamp served to stimulate both old and young as well as presenters and participants alike, making it a success in our eyes. Shared with the children were conservation practices our ancestors employed to ensure that the entire population of the Ahupua'a were well fed, and healthy. They learned about the importance of fish ponds to an Ahupua'a, fishing and gathering practices, the amazing skill our ancestors possessed in agriculture with our lo'i, and having over 300 different types of kalo varieties. Throughout the event great emphasis was placed on the reverence and care our ancestors had for their environment and their families.

They were able to learn a hula, make 'ohe hanu ihu (bamboo nose flutes), they were able to make their own pa`i `ai, play in a lo'i, interact with a "tidepool" learn not just the words, but the story behind the song 'Opae E, create crafts, learn traditional mo'olelo and more.

We could not have done this without the kokua of our volunteers, to all of you who so graciously gave of your time, energy and aloha to assist us with making this event, MAHALO. MAHALO NUNUI. Our appreciation for you is immense, as is our aloha for you. Again, MAHALO.

Oli Workshop

2011-06-03T11:46:00.001-07:00

For those of you who were unable to make it to the Oli activity a few weeks ago, we FINALLY got it processed and uploaded for your viewing pleasure. For those who were there, be sure to practice your oli because you will be asked to do it again! :)

LAOKO Oli Activity from Hawaiian Cultural Center on Vimeo.

'Ohana Saturday

2011-05-05T14:16:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday the Lei Aloha O Ka 'Ohana program hosted yet another successful 'Ohana Saturday. We had great food, games, entertainment, and delicious food demonstrations. Mahalo to everyone who participated!!! The food was 'ono...the entertainment was, well, entertaining...and the games/craft center upstairs definitely kept the little ones occupied. Even though the weather wasn't at its best, we were still able to make the most of it.

Save The Date

2011-03-18T15:53:00.001-07:00

With Spring coming just around the corner, it's about that time for 'Ohana Saturday!!!! So just as a head's up, mark your calendars to come to this year's 'Ohana Saturday on April 30th from 3pm-6pm at the Hawaiian Cultural Center. For those who missed out last year, be prepared to enjoy good food, entertainment, and fun games and crafts for the whole family. Admission is FREE!!! Also, to end the evening, we will be screening a recent documentary from Emme Tamimbong's "Emme's Island Moments" entitled "Ka'ilila'au's Canoe: A Journey of Spirit." Here's a quick clip of what to expect. Hope to see you all there!!!

Poke Challenge 2011

2011-01-26T13:35:00.000-08:00

This year's Poke Challenge was, without a doubt, a huge success. Three of last year's competitors, Ka 'Ohana Au, Ka 'Ohana Kuwada and Ka 'Ohana Carden, returned in an attempt to be dubbed the 2nd Annual Poke Challenge Campion! However, the three new families, Ka 'Ohana Tejada, Ka 'Ohana Stroud, and Ka 'Ohana Ah Quin came with the "in-it-to-win-it" attitude that would give our veterans a run for their money

The rules were simple. Each team was provided with the necessary ingredients for the most basic Poke recipe which included:

- 10 lbs of Ahi
- Shoyu
- Sesame Oil
- Oyster Sauce
- Pa'a Kai
- Chili Pepper Flakes
- Yellow and Red Onions
- Green Onion
- Garlic

Then to make things a little more interesting, each family was allowed to bring not one, but TWO secret ingredients to set their recipe aside from the rest. Each family had ONE HOUR to cut, prepare, and present their creations for the judges and the 100+ taste-testers in attendance that night.

After what seemed like the longest hour known to man, the contestants were ready. The judges, Vaughn Mossman of Pounders Island Grill, Jake Fitisimanu from the Pacific Island Medical Student Association (PIMSA), and Winona Lolofie, the Ka Lama Mohala Quilt Instructor, had the honor (some may even think it as a curse) to decided who would be this year's overall winner. Aside from the overall score, the families were critiqued on the following:

Best Presentation
Best Tasting
Most Original

The crowd was then given the honor to vote on their own personal favorite. Needless to say it was a tough decision. After the scores were tallied, everyone awaited the much anticipated answer to the burning question....who was this year's Poke Challenge Champion?!?!?!? SHOCKING would be an understatement to describe the following results:

Best Presentation: Ka 'Ohana Au
Best Tasting: Ka 'Ohana Au
Most Original: Ka 'Ohana Au

***see a pattern going on here???***

Crowd Favorite: Ka 'Ohana Au

3rd Place Overall: Ka 'Ohana Stroud
2nd Place Overall: Ka 'Ohana Tejada

and the 2011 Poke Challenge Champion
Ka 'Ohana Au

Yup. Ka 'Ohana Au definitely took the competition by storm!!!! Their secret ingredients??? Rice wine and coconut vinegar. Congratulations Au family on a job well done. Now that you've inherited this title, I hope you are aware that it comes with much responsibility. It is inherent that you be the sole Poke provider for every event put on by the Lei Aloha O Ka 'Ohana program and the Hawaiian Cultural Center. ;)

Mahalo Nui to all the contestants for their participation and enthusiasm. Also, a big mahalo to our judges for putting their palettes to the test. We all know it was a tough decision, but it was one that HAD to be made. Mahalo to all those who volunteered to make this event a success. Until next year....

Ho'opuka

2011-01-20T16:31:00.001-08:00

This past Saturday we had the opportunity to honor two more families who completed their journey with the Lei Aloha O Ka 'Ohana project. Ka 'Ohana Gerber and Ka 'Ohana Ruiz were recognized for their dedication and commitment to learning more about the Hawaiian Culture and implementing those values and practices taught at the weekly sessions within their own daily lives. Mahalo to their families and friends who came to support them in this great accomplishment.

'Umeke Workshop

2010-12-28T13:46:00.000-08:00

Last week the Lei Aloha O Ka 'Ohana project hosted its very first 'umeke workshop.

Each family had the opportunity to work on their very own 'umeke. The process included:

1. Soaking the gourds in soap and warm water.
2. Scrubbing/cleaning off mold and residue on the outside of the gourd.
3. Individuals got to choose where they wanted to cut off the top for the opening.
4. After opening, soak gourds again inside and out for more cleaning.

Unfortunately, due to time constraints, the families weren't able to leave with a finished product, but proper directions were provided for varnishing techniques and also different ideas for decorating.

Mahalo to all those who participated and volunteered. We look forward to more workshops in the future.

No Session This Monday

2010-12-23T14:13:00.000-08:00

With the Holidays coming up this weekend, there will be no session this coming Monday, December 27th. Mele Kalikimaka from the Lei Aloha O Ka 'Ohana team!!!

Santa's Workshop

2010-12-07T14:34:00.000-08:00

Last week Thursday, December 2nd, the subtle sound of pitter patter was heard throughout the Hawaiian Cultural Center as Lei Aloha put on its very first Santa's Workshop! So far this year, we have had activities for all ages, with the exception of our kamali'i. So with that, we set aside a couple hours for our little ones and had fun-filled activities for them, including:

Cookie Decorating

Crafts - Reindeer Windsocks

Coloring

Story Time and Picture Taking

It was the perfect activity to get us ready for the start of a beautiful HOLIDAY season!

Holiday Season Fast Approaching...

2010-11-12T13:53:00.000-08:00

With the holidays just around the corner, the Lei Aloha O Ka 'Ohana team has some fun activities planned. Here's a quick preview of what's to come:

Kauwahi 'Anaina Hawai'i Hawaiian Civic Club

2010-11-09T13:44:00.000-08:00

This Saturday, the Lei Aloha team will be heading down south to Utah County to share a lesson with Kauwahi 'Anaina Hawai'i Hawaiian Civic Club. So if you're in the area, feel free to join us as we learn more about Kuleana, or responsibility. If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at (801) 56-ALOHA.

Date: Saturday, November 13
Time: 1:00 pm
Place: Utah Lake Pavillion

Hope to see you there!!!

Fall Festivities

2010-11-02T15:34:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks have been busy, busy, BUSY for the Lei Aloha team. After receiving a warm welcome from our cousins in Las Vegas, it was time to head back and prepare for the next week's activities. From starting the new session off with a few new families, to hosting one of the Portuguese Kings of Comedy at this month's kanikapila, and then topping off the end of the month with the much anticipated Halloween Bash, we were able to pull it all off successfully. Mahalo to all those who attended and volunteered.

SPECIAL TODAY ONLY!

2010-10-25T15:13:00.000-07:00

SPECIAL PRICING ON AUGIE T/FRANK DELIMA TICKETS!!!
The Portugese Kings of Comedy will be in town this Friday and if you haven't already bought your tickets, you're in luck!! For TODAY ONLY, ticket prices have been slashed! Platinum tickets are now only 50.00 for a pair, regular price is 100.00/ea. Silver/Gold tickets are now only 150.00 for a pack of 10, regular price is 35/40 each. Now for general admission, it's the biggest deal yet! 20 TICKETS FOR ONLY 50.00!!! There's no way you will get a better deal anywhere, the ticket breaks down to only 2.50/ea when purchased at that discounted price!! Now, how do you go about getting these prices?? CALL US AT 801-56-ALOHA TODAY!!!! These prices are only available until midnight tonight! We are open until 9:00 p.m. so after that you will need to text or call Aunty Kathleen at 801-472-2588 or Tina at 801-913-8980.

New Lei Aloha Session Starting Soon!!!

2010-10-15T13:59:00.000-07:00

We are proud to announce Lei Aloha's FOURTH session will be starting the end of this month on Monday, October 25th. Registration is now open to all families interested in learning more about our Native Hawaiian traditions and practices. Especially those focused on our families, or 'ohana. Dinner is provided, so just bring an open mind and an empty stomach!!! Hope to see you there!!!

Las Vegas Bound!!!

2010-10-14T14:18:00.001-07:00

With the success of the Lei Aloha program in its first year, we are taking it on the road!!! The Las Vegas Hawaiian Civic club has invited us to share one of our weekly sessions with them. We look forward to taking advantage of this great opportunity to share with our cousins in Las Vegas the concept of 'Ohana. So if you or someone you know is going to be in the area on Thursday, October 21st, come on by and learn more or share what you can about your 'Ohana.

Check out the Las Vegas Hawaiian Civic Club website for more information:

http://www.lvhcc.org/

Princess Ka'iulani The Movie

2010-09-27T14:15:00.001-07:00

All we can say is WOW!!! We had a great turnout for the screening of the film last Friday! We had a wide range of people attend, from those who had never been to the Hawaiian Cultural Center, to people whom we've missed dearly, and of course, those who are active supporters, and actively engaged within our Hawaiian community. We were excited for the opportunity to not only present the film, but to engage in discussion. It was important to us that our community felt comfortable with sharing their mana'o, as well as listening to all the ideas, comments and opinions shared. With that level of community participation, the wide range of attendees, and the feeling of aloha that was definitely flowing, it was a success. Mahalo piha to all of you who came out and attended, Mahalo to Hui Hawai'i O Utah Hawaiian Civic Club for their wonderful partnership, as well as the many hands that assisted with making this event possible. Please enjoy some photos from that night below.

Engaged in the community

2010-09-22T12:12:00.000-07:00

The Lei Aloha O Ka 'Ohana Team has been busy working for and in, our community. Just last week, we hosted the Teen Chocolate Challenge at our monthly kanikapila session, and this week, we, along with Hui Hawai'i O Utah Hawaiian Civic Club, are presenting a free showing of the film, "Princess Ka'iulani" on Friday, September 24th at the Hawaiian Cultural Center at 6:30 pm. We invite all of you to attend, and to share your mana'o following the film. It's an ideal way for us to gather as a community and discuss our history, and culture and a perfect way to continue to strengthen our Hawaiian community here in Utah.

October is a busy month for our community as well! We are excited at the opportunity to provide a safe, fun, and enjoyable Halloween activity for the entire family!!! We'll have games, such as bobbing for apples, doughnut eating, and more! This is also our very first 'Trunk Or Treat' activity, so we invite everyone to participate and help make it a great one for the children!See the flyer below for specifics.

A great example of our getting involved in the community is the upcoming "Portugese Kings Of Comedy" show, we are humbled that Hawai'i's very own Frank DeLima will be at the Hawaiian Cultural Center for a potluck meet and greet on Thursday, October 28th!! Come join us at 6:30, bring your 'ukuleles and guitars and your favorite dish to share and meet local comedy legend Frank DeLima!! He, along with Augie T will be performing at Thanksgiving Point on Friday, October 29th. Make sure and get your tickets early!

Local favorite, 'Ekolu, will be in Salt Lake City, on Saturday, November 6th!!! This is their first time visiting here, let's make sure they keep coming back by going out and supporting the event! Local bands Natural Roots, and Rebel Zion, headed by the always amazing Kimo Watanabe, will be opening for 'Ekolu, and did you know......the venue, BarDeluxe, is also owned by a Hawai'i local?! What an awesome way to not only hear island music, but to support local talent and businesses as well!!! Make sure and get your tickets, they're going fast!

Don't forget, you can still sign up for Lei Aloha sessions, they're fun, culturally engaging, and they're free. Want to know more about what you'll learn in the sessions? Mai hilahila! Just give us a call at 801-56-ALOHA and we'll be glad to share!

2nd Session Lei Aloha Program

2010-03-10T15:43:00.000-08:00

Our 1ST SESSION is coming to a close soon with the 2ND SESSION starting up

We will be hosting an OPEN HOUSE on MAR.20 to kick off the LEI ALOHA O KA `OHANA PROGRAM. Come learn to pound kalo, play ancient Hawaiian games, and make your own lei. We will also be serving lunch. Experience a little of what the Lei Aloha O Ka `Ohana program has to offer.

Workshop's are held every Monday. Come out and learn a little more about the Hawaiian culture and practices. They are conducted with on open discussion type of setting, with everyone learning and sharing their experiences and stories.

The Lei Aloha program is designed for the whole family in mind and we want to make it a fun and easy night for everyone:

Dinner served at every workshop: So you dont have to worry about making/picking up something to feed your family. It also gives families that time to spend with eachother and get to know the other participants.
Sessions are seperated according to age: Keiki will seperate into their own group to enjoy a more upbeat/hands-on activity. Makua will have a more in-depth, information based activity
We do encourage families to attend ALL workshops/activities. However we do understand that life gets busy and if you do happen to miss a workshop/activity, you are more than welcome to attend that specific workshop/activity in the next session.

We are currently taking registration for 2nd Session. If you have any questions please call us at (801) 56ALOHA, or attend our OPEN HOUSE MARCH 20 and we will be happy to answer any questions in person.

POKE CHALLENGE WINNERS

2010-02-03T12:15:00.001-08:00

CONGRATULATIONS

UNCLE BUTCH & AUNTY BECKY PORTER

WINNERS OF THE POKE CHALLENGE

POKE CHALLENGE

2010-02-03T11:29:00.000-08:00

Much Mahalo's to all the competitors for making our first annual POKE CHALLENGE such a great success!!

We would also like to thank our judges: Carol Johnson, Vaughn Mossman & Kimo Mack

Thank you everyone for coming out and supporting us, we look forward to seeing you all next year.

Open House A Success!

2010-01-14T15:17:00.000-08:00

Mahalo to all those who came out and participated in our 1st Lei Aloha O Ka `Ohana OPEN HOUSE. It was a smashing success! There was lots to be done and plenty going on; people were pounding kalo (taro), shaving coconut, and playing konane. The kupuna were sharing their knowledge & experiences to attentive ears.
If you missed out no worry! There will be 3 more Open House's throught out the year. So be sure to keep an eye out for them.

Lei Aloha O Ka `Ohana OPEN HOUSE

2009-12-29T13:55:00.000-08:00

Join us for a day of FAMILY FUN!

Saturday January 9, 2010 11am-1:30pm
@ The Hawaiian Cultural Center (741 W. 7650 S. Midvale)

Food, Fun & Activities for the whole family. NO CHARGE! Come learn & experience a little more about the traditional Hawaiian way of life.

For more details please call 56ALOHA or visit our website http://www.hawaiianculturalcenter.org/leialohaokaohana.html

Training Session Mahalo!!

2009-12-16T11:24:00.000-08:00

Monday December 14, 2009 concluded our training session for the Lei Aloha O Ka `Ohana Program.

We'd like to thank all those that were involved with our training session. The Training session helped The Lei ALoha Team finalize and perfect our curriculum in time to to take it out to the community. Training lasted 3 months, we met almost weekly beginnning in October and lasting till December.

A special Mahalo to the Lucero Ohana who made it to every workshop. We enjoyed having their beautiful girls a part of our program.

We are accepting registration for 2010 Lei Aloha O Ka `Ohana. 1ST Session starts January 9th. Please call The Hawaiian Cultural Center for more details or you may visit our website www.hawaiianculturalcenter.org.