Free La‘au Lapa‘au workshops offered

Hui Malama Ola Na ‘Oiwi (Hui Malama) announces the 2020 series of La‘au Lapa‘au workshops for Hawaii Island. The workshops provide a first-hand opportunity to learn about traditional Hawaiian healing practices, including an introduction into la‘au lapa‘au, ho‘oponopono, lomilomi ha ha, and la‘au kahea. Workshops are presented by Po‘okela Ikaika Dombrigues who emphasizes the importance of traditional wisdom as a way to uplift and heal people of Hawaii.

Po‘okela Ikaika began learning about the healing powers of La‘au Lapa‘au from a young age, with knowledge passed on from his kahuna and ancestors.

He explains, “La‘au lapa‘au is a practice that’s been in the Hawaiian islands for thousands of years. It has to do with natural herbs from the land, plants, animals, and minerals from the ocean. Through the power of pule (prayer), we apply it to our bodies. It’s a very spiritual connection that falls upon the person who needs help.”

The La‘au Lapa‘au workshops are free and offered to the public. Light refreshments are provided. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunch.

The schedule is:

• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 14 at Aunty Sally’s Luau Hale, Hilo

• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 4, Waimea Park Community Center, Waimea

• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 2, Old Kona Airport Special Events Pavilion, Kona

• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday June 6, Ka‘u District Gym, Ka‘u

• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 11, Pahoa Community Center, Pahoa

The La‘au Lapa‘au workshops are part of Hui Malama Ola Na ‘Oiwi efforts to preserve and share traditional Hawaiian healing practices.

To learn more about upcoming workshops and classes, please contact the Hui Malama Traditional Hawaiian Healing team at 969-9220.