Kumu leads Hawaiian culture classes

Prepare to dive deep and immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture, protocol and practices.

Visitors and kamaaina alike will delight in this hands-on series of classes suitable for anyone 15 and older who has a curiosity about Kilauea, and the indigenous cultural practices of kanaka maoli with respect to akua, or gods, and Pelehonuamea, goddess of the volcano.

Kumu Ab Valencia will offer insight into Hawaiian cultural practices and protocol as it pertains to the realm of wao akua (a distant mountain region in which all living things flourish as a result of the activity of the gods).

Learn an oli (chant) and get a hands-on demonstration in the method of preparing a pu‘olo (a container that holds the offering). Then, embark on a huaka‘i (excursion) to make a presentation to na akua with oli and ho‘okupu (offering).

Presented within a contemporary setting, “Introduction to Hawaiian Culture &Practices” is slated for 4-5 p.m. today, March 28 and April 4. Cost for the workshop is $150 plus a $10 materials fee. Bring a notebook and pen.

No prior experience is necessary.

Participants are asked to arrive at least 10 minutes early.

All classes meet at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus, 19-4074 Old Volcano Road in Volcano Village.

This series of classes is sure to foster or rekindle your connection to this unique place we call Kilauea.

Valencia was born and raised in Honolulu and began dancing hula in 1979. In 2004, he and his wife, Pua, moved to Volcano, where Halau Hula Kalehuaki‘eki‘eika‘iu ma Kilauea began in March 2006.

Valencia teaches hula in Volcano and continues to share traditional cultural knowledge with the community.

For more information, visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.