Kuana Torres-Kahele brings Aloha to the DC Area  

Few things leave us breathless, but that’s just what Kuana did to us on July 3, when E Ala E hosted two of  Kuana’s workshops in Arlington (lei wili and lei hui poepoe). All the 30+ students in each class were blown away by Kuana’s gift that he so generously shared along with mo`olelo (stories)! 

So maika`i (good) to also share aloha with Kumu Hula Vicky Holt-Takamine, founder of PA`I Foundation in Honolulu, and to meet Jay Rojas and Mokihana, also of PA`I. Here are some pics that tell the story of a wonderful day in the sharing of Aloha and the Hawaiian Culture in the Northern VA area!

'Aha 'Ohana Family Fun comes to Accokeek, August 13th  

We are excited to share this yearʻs ʻAha ʻOhana: Cultural Foundations STEMS² workshop. We will introduce everyone to kalo (taro), learn more about the importance of kalo to the Native Hawaiian people, understand how to protect kalo from severe weather, and create a healthy relationship with kalo here on the east coast. Families are welcome to participate as we engage each child in STEMS² activities including a delicious Hawaiian-style plate lunch. 

What a great way to spend a summer day! Join Us!

Who: All Welcome

Where: Accokeek Foundation, Piscataway Park

When: Saturday, August 13, 2022

Time: 10AM - 2PM (EST)

Cost: Keiki Registration (STEMS² and craft materials+shirt ) + Plate Lunch = $30

Each Additional Plate Lunch = $10

Learn more or register today!

'Aha Makua Health Seminar - Comprehensive Adult Care

SAVE THE DATE! Sat., Oct. 8, 2022

Subject matter experts from Hawai`i and the DMV area are excited to share some of the following with all of you: Lomilomi (massage), La'au Lapa'au (healing with whole foods), Hula (dance), Self Defense, Meditation, Cooking Demonstration, etc. Save the Date and share with your 'ohana!

Once finalized, we will post details about this event on our website, www.ealaehcc.org and social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn).

Celebrating and honoring our Hulu Kūpuna (Precious Elders)

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Sat., Dec. 3, 6:00PM – 11:00PM

E Ala E will host a Holokū Ball to pay tribute to our Hulu Kūpuna. This gala will be held at the Renaissance Capital View Hotel in Crystal City (Arlington), VA.

The evening will start with a cocktail reception, where guests can wala`au (chat)with old friends and meet new ones, all while viewing the items to be auctioned and raffled. Dinner will include “local-style” kau kau (food) to include cuisine such as Korean Kalbi Short Ribs, Mac Salad, and Grilled Huli Huli Chicken!

Our featured entertainer extraordinaire will be KuanaTorres-Kahele, whose sweet voice will accompany hula from different hālau and hui in the metro-Washington, D.C. area and, hopefully, beyond! In addition to music, hula, and a raffle, we will hold an auction, where guests will openly bid against each other with auction paddles as inChristy’s or Sotheby’s auction houses! We will also feature Hulu Kūpuna and other guests in a Fashion Show to share the beauty of their holokū and the grace and elegance of our Hulu Kūpuna!

Once finalized, we will post details about the Ball on our website, www.ealaehcc.org and social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn).

*A holokū is a woman’s long, one-piece gown usually made with some fitting and a train and worn especially in Hawai`i.

"`Onolicious!"

Inari Bombs

“I’m all about recipes that are super easy, but huge hits at a potluck! The only ‘cooking’ you need to do for this one is make rice.  Plus, these inari bombs are fully customizable – from your favorite poke to your go-to toppings!” Kris Kokame, Foodland 5 Ambassador

Enjoy this onolicious recipe for Inari Bombs.

EHCC Activities

Aug 13 (Sat): We are excited to share this yearʻs ʻAha ʻOhana Family Fun Cultural Foundations STEMS² workshop. We will introduce everyone to kalo (taro), learn more about the importance of kalo to the Native Hawaiian people, understand how to protect kalo from severe weather, and create a healthy relationship with kalo here on the east coast. Families are welcome to participate as we engage each child in STEMS² activities including a delicious Hawaiian-style plate lunch. Costs are as follows: Keiki Registration (STEMS² and craft materials+shirt ) + Plate Lunch = $30 and Each Additional Plate Lunch = $10. What a great way to spend a summer day! Register now!

Oct 8 (Sat): Save the Date We are excited to announce this year's 'Aha Makua - Healthy Body, Mind, and Spirit Seminar with all. Subject matter experts from Hawaiʻi and the DMV area are excited to share some of the following with all of you: Lomilomi (massage), Laʻau Lapaʻau (Healing with Whole Foods), Hula (Dance), Self Defense, Meditation, Cooking Demonstration, etc. Cost is $20. Learn more.

Dec 3 (Sat): Save the Date We are honored to host a Holokū Ball to pay tribute to our Hulu Kūpuna (Precious Elders). This gala will be held at the Renaissance Capital View Hotel in Crystal City (Arlington), VA. The evening will start with a cocktail reception, where guests can wala`au (chat) with old friends and meet new ones, all while viewing the items to be auctioned and raffled. Dinner will include “local-style” kau kau (food) to include cuisine such as Korean Kalbi Short Ribs, Mac Salad, and Grilled Huli Huli Chicken! Our featured entertainer will be Kuana Torres-Kahele, whose sweet voice will accompany hula from different hālau and hui in the metro-Washington, D.C. area and, hopefully, beyond! In addition to music, hula, and a raffle, we will hold an auction, where guests will openly bid against each other with auction paddles as in Christy’s or Sotheby’s auction houses! We will also feature Hulu Kūpuna and other guests in a Fashion Show to share the beauty of their holokū and the grace and elegance of our Hulu Kūpuna! Learn more.

Dec 2 (Fri) and Dec 4 (Sun): Save the Date Kuana Torres-Kahele returning to the D.C. area in December! In addition to having Kuana as our featured entertainer at our Holokū Ball, we will also host workshops for Kuana that weekend! So, in addition to marking your calendar for our Holokū Ball, be sure to also include Fri., Dec. 2 and Sun., Dec. 4 for one or all of Kuana’s workshops, which will feature hula, lei-making, and maybe more!

Community Connections

Jul - Dec: This year's King Kamehameha Lei-Draping event in Emancipation Hall in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center was not open to the general public. Instead, the Hawai'i State Society, Washington, D.C. (HSS), the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and the Congressional offices present the King Kamehameha Day celebration for all to view in an on-demand video format.  

Jul - Nov: The Accokeek Foundation is inviting all to explore the Piscataway Park Fairy Trail from 6 pm-8 pm. Explore the new trail and enjoy fairy trail-themed crafts and activities. Cost is $7. Learn more.

Aug 5-6 (Fri-Sat): The Pacific Islanders American Group of Virginia (PIAG) is happy to sponsor once again the annual Virginia Beach Polynesian Festival (VB Polyfest) this summer. People in the Hampton Roads area are gearing up for what has grown to become the largest Polynesian festival on the East Coast. There will be many performances and activities, as well as vendors making "onolicious grinds" and selling island arts and crafts. Click here for more details.

Aug 13-17 (Sat-Wed): Strathmore invites you to plan a strummer of a summer learning (or perfecting) your ‘ukulele skills! UkeFest Artistic Directors Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer return along with Herb Ohta, Jr., Daniel Ward, Eve Goldberg, and more extraordinary instructors for five days dedicated to this small-but-mighty music maker. Registration includes 8 hours of skill-based classes, 5 hours of choose-your-own classes, jam sessions, admission to the student and instructor showcases, and a grand finale Live from the Lawn performance. $488 registration fee; registration closes August 8. Learn more.

Aug 20 (Sat): SAVE THE DATE – The 37th annual Pacific Fun Day is scheduled for Saturday, August 20 from 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. at the Annapolis Area Christian School, Kirby Athletic Center, 109 Burns Crossing Road, Severn, MD 21144. A full day of Hawaiian entertainment is planned including groups like Kūpono and Polynesian dance groups, vendors, and food! Tickets only being sold at the door, $5 per person (8 & under are free). Learn more.  

Interested in sharing something in our Newsletter? How about a special event or announcement?

Please send an email to: Marilyn@ealaehcc.org