HONOLULU (HI Now) - Join Kaʻiuokalani Damas for a Hawaiian-language segment exploring welo ʻohana — the practice of bringing Hawaiian knowledge into the home. Guests Kainani Kahaunaele and Kaniaulono Hāpai share how mele (song) shaped their family life, teaching language, genealogy, land knowledge, and values across generations. Kainani explains how mele became the daily practice that “spoon-fed” kūpuna wisdom to children, and Kaniaulono reflects on how that upbringing continues to guide her personally and academically.
The segment features the mele “A He Nani Ka Laulā O Puna,” composed by Kainani and her mom for Pūnana Leo o Kauaʻi as part of a project celebrating island-specific mele. Stay tuned — the guests will perform the piece live, bringing the conversation from story to song.
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