ʻIke Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Knowledge)
Pūʻolo Paʻakai:
A Bundle of Mele and Moʻolelo of Hanapēpē Salt
Join Malia as she shares her life experiences as a salt-maker in Hanapēpē, Kaua‘i, the last remaining traditional Hawaiian salt-making site. Through captivating mo‘olelo and original mele, Malia will explore the art and cultural significance of pa‘akai. Learn about the intricate process of making salt, the impacts of climate change on Hanapēpē Salt Pond, and how the practice of kilo is used to inform collective solutions for the ʻāina and the community. This presentation offers a unique window into the resilience of Kaua‘i’s people, culture, and environment, leaving participants inspired to mālama these sacred places and practices for the next generation.
Recommended Age: 8 and older
Duration: 2 hours
Class size: 50+ participants
One time slot available:
-
Workshop Session 4 | Saturday, 11:00 AM - 1:15 PM
Your Instructor
Malia
Nobrega-Olivera
Kauaʻi
Malia Nobrega-Olivera was born and raised in Hanapēpē Valley, Kona, Kauaʻi. Malia is a Native Hawaiian educator, a kumu hula, a salt maker, an event strategist, and an advocate of indigenous rights at all levels – locally, regionally, and internationally.
Malia is also a multimedia artist who has experience in lei making, filmmaking, multimedia presentations, and for the last few years, she has continued her journey of ʻulana lauhala with Maile Andrade. Malia strongly believes that participating in the virtual community weaving classes during COVID, joining a community of practice, and (re)learning the art of lauhala weaving has helped her in her personal journey of mauli ola, especially during a time of grieving the loss of her mother and other loved ones like her daughter Kaʻaiʻohelo.
Malia grew up making salt in Hanapēpē, Kauaʻi, alongside her grandparents and ʻohana. She currently serves as one of the alakaʻi of the Hui Hana Paʻakai o Hanapēpē, an organization made up of the 22 ʻohana that continue to make salt in Hanapēpē and serve as kiaʻi of this area.