May Day is Lei Day in Hawai`i!

In 1927, two newspaper writers thought it would be nice to honor the tradition of the lei, which seemed at that time to be in decline. The first Lei Day was on May 1, 1928, which was a huge triumph! Thousands of people participated all over the state of Hawai`i.

In 1929, Hawai`i’s governor proclaimed that May 1 of each year was to be proclaimed as May Day is Lei Day in Hawai`i, to be observed: “by all true friends of Hawai`i.” Enjoy a little bit of history on May Day in Hawai`i.

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month

E Ala E Hawaiian Cultural Center honors our diverse communities in celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. We MAHALO our ancestors for wisdom and resilience as we draw upon these strengths to continue practicing and preserving our cultural heritage and be connected as a people. #AANHPIHM

Dedicated to our ancestors:

"Hawaiʻi ʻ78" | Song Across Hawaiʻi | Playing for Change Collaboration

Georgetown Hawai'i Club Lū'au

Written by Aunty Ku`ulei Stockman

May 1, 2022, Lei Day In Hawai`i, was also a beautiful day in Washington, D.C. The sun was shining and the air was fresh and crisp. It was a great day to share Aloha. 

As E Ala E had done for both American and George Washington Universities, we also made a donation to Georgetown University to kōkua with their Annual Lū`au. Their on-campus venue was breathtaking! One wall was completely glass that led to an outdoor patio; the other, lined floor-to-ceiling with mini Schefflera plants. In the middle of the huge room were two fireplaces, again, floor-to-ceiling, that separated the kau kau tables and the stage/seating area. The sun splashed through the tall, glass windows spilling over tables ornamented by Hawaiian tapa cloth, fresh torch ginger, and birds of paradise flowers.

Read more.

Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) Gala

E Ala E Hawaiian Cultural Center is humbled by the invitation to present the opening oli (chant) at this yearʻs Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) Annual Awards Gala Dinner. The APAICS Gala is the culmination of our nation’s recognition of Asian American & Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month each May.​ 

Past speakers and awardees at the dinner include President Barack Obama, President Bill Clinton, Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary Hillary Clinton, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, Senator Mazie Hirono, New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, Martha Choe, Deepa Iyer, George Takei, Daniel Dae Kim, and Randall Park, among others. We look forward to partnering with APAICS in the years to come.

"`Onolicious!"

Coconut Cashew Shrimp

“This easy take on coconut shrimp makes for a delicious main or pupu (hors d’oeuvre), depending on your gathering. And it’s a versatile recipe – you can sub out the shrimp for chicken or even tofu if you prefer.” – Rebekah DeCosta, Senior Chef de Cuisine

Enjoy this onolicious recipe for Coconut Cashew Shrimp. 

EHCC Activities

Now till June 30: All E Ala E Hawaiian Cultural Center Members Qualify To Be Entered to Win (2) available tickets for one of Kuana Torres Kahele workshops (Wili Lei Workshop - $60 2pm – 5pm | Kui Poe Poe Workshop - $60 10am - 1pm ) on Sunday, July 3, 2022. All registered EHCC members enrolled by June 30 can enter into the drawing. Become a Member TODAY and fill out an entry to enter to win!

Coming this summer: RISE! Keiki Vibrancy - Cultural Foundations. We offer age-appropriate cultural activities in a safe and supportive environment. Your child can look forward to completing focused S.T.E.M. and arts/crafts projects, build ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language), mele (songs), dances (hula) repertoire, and playing (mea pāʻani) games with staff and peers.

Coming Soon: ʻAHA MAKUA (LAND) Respectable, hardworking, detail-oriented, stable, reliable, cautious, punctual, practical. In esoteric wisdom, land relates to the body. If you do not look after yourself and are unfit or unhealthy, it becomes more challenging to support energies generated by the other elements. Land represents grounding, the foundation for life, and family roots. Share our RISE! Makua Vibrancy -  Healthy Body, Mind, and Spirit Fair 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.

Coming Soon: ʻAHA KŪPUNA (WATER) Our elders can be described as self-aware, adaptive, modest, devoted, reflective, authentic, integrating, and cooperative. Water is fluid and adaptable and dictates one's ability to manage various situations. In contrast, fire and air relate to thoughts and emotions, the element of water tests oneʻs ability to be fluid and adaptable when faced with adversity. Join us as we honor the journey of our elders/ancestors at our inaugural RISE! Kūpuna Vibrancy Series - Celebrating our Hulu Kūpuna (Precious Elders) Holokū Ball Fundraiser in December.

Community Connections

May 12 (Thur): Join Kū-A-Kanaka's Aunty Kū Kahakalau for a fun storytelling session, as she shares the exciting travels of Kāne and Kanaloa, two avid ʻawa drinkers before they settle on the island of Oʻahu. Register here.

May 14 (Sat): Join Accokeek Foundation for their "Lattes with Lambs" at Piscataway Park from 11AM-3PM. Enjoy food, donuts, coffee, demonstrations, and activities, and meet their barnyard animals. Cost varies. Buy tickets here.

May 18 (Wed): Join Kū-A-Kanaka's for their Moʻolelo Kahiko for the month of May, where you will learn about the adventures of Puapualenalena, the superpower dog from Waipiʻo Valley! Register here.

May 20 (Fri): Join the Kuana Torres Kahele for a virtual Zoom hula "Aloha No Ka'u" workshop at 10AM HST (4PM EST). Cost is $40. Register here.

May 21 (Sat): Join Honi Hala for their virtual Pe'ahi Weaving Workshop from 9AM-12PM HST (3PM-6PM EST). This workshop requires prior weaving experience or you have taken at least two of Honi Hala's previous workshops. This class will focus on 'ōlelo no'eau particular to pūhala & Kumu Pūlama will share one she composed pertaining to kilo & weaving. Cost is $175. Register here.

May 21-22 (Sat-Sun): Join Honi Hala for their virtual Waiwai Advanced Weaving Workshop from 2AM-4:30PM HST (8PM-10:30PM EST). This workshop is a two-day commitment & no prior weaving experience is required. Participant Commitment: Must be present & on time for the two classes listed above. Cost is $210. Register here.

Jun 30 (Thur): Join Kuana Torres Kahele as he shares the history and heritage of the island of Niihau. Learn the techniques for gathering, sorting, and piercing the rare shells of Niihau. Students will each receive a prepared packet of Niihau shells that enable them to make a pair of earrings valued at $150.Extra Earring kits are available for $50, 18-inch Choker kits are $350, and Bracelet kits are $175. This workshop will be held at The Westin Washington, D.C. City Center • 1400 M Street NW • Ashlawn North room from 2:00PM-5:00PM. Cost is $75. Register here.

Jul 1-2 (Fri-Sat): "We The Peoples Before", First Peoples Fund’s 25th Anniversary Celebration of Native Cultural Expression and Sovereignty will be held July 1-2, 2022, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Demonstrations, discussions, and performances will feature some of today’s greatest Native musicians, vocalists, storytellers, poets, filmmakers, and culture bearers, from Tribal Nations, Alaska Native Villages, and Native Hawaiian communities across the U.S. They are keepers of our collective identity, ensuring the preservation of Indigenous lifeways. Hawai‘i guests include Kumu Hula Robert Cazimero, Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio, and dancers from Pua Ali‘i ‘Ilima under Kumu Hula Vicky and Jeff Takamine. Learn more.

Jul 3 (Sun): Learn the art of lei making in the wili style as Kuana takes you step by step through a Kui Poepoe lei workshop.  Students will use coconut fronds to sew a gorgeous Lei Lau Niu. Ingredients will be provided to make one full lei po’o, however, some students may end up finishing at home. This lei dries beautifully and lasts forever. Located in Arlington, Va. Cost is $60. Register here.  

Jul 3 (Sun): Learn the art of lei making in the wili style as Kuana takes you step by step through an Eryngium (Sea Holly) and Hawaiian Palapalai fern lei workshop. Ingredients will be provided to make one full lei po’o, however, some students may end up finishing at home. Located in Arlington, VA. Cost is $60. Register here.

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

Please send an email to: Marilyn@ealaehcc.org