Hawaiian music online certificate offered at Windward CC

Windward CC students

Kawaikapuokalani Frank Hewett

Ka‘ohekani, a groundbreaking one-year online certificate in Hawaiian music, will give participants a deeper understanding of the connection and balance between Hawaiian music and hula. The latest academic offering from Windward Community College is immersive, accelerated and cohort based. The series of eight-week online classes are taught by Kamuela Kimokeo (music) and Kawaikapuokalani Frank Hewett (Hawaiian language, hula).

“The Ka‘ohekani Hawaiian music online certificate is beneficial to those who play Hawaiian music, hula dancers, and those who just enjoy Hawaiian music and hula. The program not only provides balance in Hawaiian music knowledge but creates understanding, synergy and appreciation for their relationships to one another,” said Kimokeo. 

Kimokeo is director of the Hawai‘i Music Institute at Windward CC, where he teaches ‘ukulele and slack key guitar. He also performs with Jerry Santos and the group Hi‘ikua. Hewett is a legendary kumu hula, songwriter and recent judge in the Merrie Monarch hula competition.

“For those who have moved away from their homes in Hawai‘i, it is an opportunity for them to stay connected to their culture, histories and communities through music,” said Kimokeo. “The freedom of this program allows students to continue to work at their jobs, live in different time zones, and care for family obligations, while taking college courses that are not only informative but enriching.”

The Ka‘ohekani Hawaiian music online certificate can be applied to an associate of arts degree in liberal arts.

Learn more

Kimokeo and Hewett will hold a talk story session about Ka‘ohekani on July 9, at 3 p.m. Register for the Zoom info session at:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefya5xIJw3buwgjld-95Zjijx4XRNjUZy9GTUY-EtZ0_LKmQ/viewform

For information about Ka‘ohekani, visit https://windward.hawaii.edu/programs-of-study/kaohekani/.

Money for college

Financial support worth 50% of tuition is now available to Windward O‘ahu high school students enrolling at Windward CC. The Ho‘olei Scholarship will provide the equivalent of half-tuition for the first year at Windward CC to 2021 graduates of public and charter schools in Windward Oʻahu.

To learn more about Windward CC’s Ho‘olei Scholarship program, email hoolei@hawaii.edu.

In addition, Native Hawaiian participants living on the mainland may be eligible for in-state tuition.

VIDEO:

Link to video about Ka‘ohekani: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tjek_kHET2A&ab_channel=wcchawaii