SEQUIM — A gathering of 40-50 people were treated to some of the spirit of Hawai’i by mother Candace Marie Kananiokamokihana Melendez and daughter Casara Desiree Hemakanamaikapu`uwai Caro of Hālau Hula Ka Lei Mokihana I Ka Ua Noe: “The Lei Mokihana in the Misty Rain,” as part of the North Olympic Library System’s Summer Reading program.
Casara Desiree Hemakanamaikapu`uwai Caro, left of center in her brightly colored dress, demonstrates hula dancing Saturday at the North Olympic Library branch in Port Angeles, while her mother, Candace Marie Kananiokamokihana Melendez, plays the ukulele in the background. (Dave Logan/For Peninsula Daily News)
Caro demonstrated hulas and encouraged the audience, and Melendez played the Ipu (a rhythm instrument made from gourds) and shared history and details about the hulas and their islands of origin.
She said that certain colors and botanicals represented certain islands. She spoke in both English and Hawaiian in such a way that the children and adults present could learn and recognize the words.
Melendez began her formal training in hula when she was 5. She said that of 96 cousins, “I’m the only one who teaches hula.”
Members of the audience were invited to learn some of the visual vocabulary of a hula that spoke of the North Olympic Peninsula. Melendez told the audience that she and her family (her husband and dog were there, too) always appreciate the beauty of the area on their visits and that she hopes to come back for a larger workshop.
Those in the audience who wished to join for a longer hula in front of the group did so. Mahina Lazzaro, who teaches Hawaiian dance locally, participated.
Skye Kading, 7, volunteered to try out an instrument on the stage, which was located in the field behind the library.
“I liked it,” she said, explaining that it was made from split bamboo sticks.
Amaya Franich, 8, braved the stage as well, and played an instrument that “kinda looked like a flower.” Beaming, she said it was fun.
“I love helping people,” Melendez said, ” and I love educating people even more.
“By bringing it to everyone, our culture will remain alive and intact.”
To learn more about Hālau Hula Ka Lei Mokihana I Ka Ua Noe: “The Lei Mokihana in the Misty Rain,” their classes and events, visit: https://hulamokinoe.com/
For more information about the Summer Reading Program, visit nols.org/srp, call 360-417-8500 or email discover@nols.org.
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Emily Matthiessen is a reporter with the Olympic Peninsula News Group, which is composed of Sound Publishing newspapers Peninsula Daily News, Sequim Gazette and Forks Forum. Reach her at emily.matthiessen@sequimgazette.com.
