3 minute read
Noenoe Nights
A Rain to Recharge and Rejuvenate our Wāhine
By Kau'i Kanakaole
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The Noenoe Ua Kea is a light misty rain that comes in on the Mālualua breeze and frequents Hāna, particularly the area in and around Ka’uiki. And it was said by L.K.N. Paahao of Mokaenui, Hāna, who wrote in Ka Lahui Hawaii Nupepa in January 1877, that “Ka Uakea” was the most famous rain of Hāna. This rain would arrive at around 9am or 10am, right after the dew from the night had all but dried up, and begin to saturate everything all over again. But Hāna people werenʻt ‘ōpili (cold, wet, numbed) by it, rather it gave the children a lovely appearance like no other “nohenohea lua.”
Because of Pa'ahao's detailed description of Ka Uakea in 1877 and our present-day continued pilina with Noenoe Ua Kea, we named our evening-time women gatherings Noenoe Nights. We gather in the evening time, after work is done, keiki are fed and we are able to fully receive, recharge and rejuvenate with our fellow titas, mamas, and hoa. The evening is from 5pm-9pm and we always learn something new, eat something delicious, and sip on some lively libations—but mostly we just spend time on ourselves and each other.
We have four Noenoe Nights planned for 2023 - February, May, September, and December. The cost is $50 per person and is all inclusive of the night’s activities, pupu and beverage. Spots are limited so to get on our Noenoe email list, contact us at (808)2487841, email us at contact@ alakukui.org or DM us on IG/ Facebook @alakukuihana
Ala Kukui’s Executive Director Kau‘i Kanaka‘ole is a kumu hula trained in the renowned Hālau o Kekuhi with more than 20 years of experience in cultural advocacy. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and has 14 years of teaching experience, including 11 years at Hāna School. She was born in Hilo, raised in Hāna and maintains extensive ties to the community. She is married to Fabian Ioane Park and is the mom of Nakaulakuhikuhi and Ho‘ola‘ika‘iwaalaimaka.
