Past + Present + Future
Introduction
As a Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Campus Center and a campus committed to becoming a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning, we intentionally pause on January 17, 2023 to mark 130 years since the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom and the 7th annual National Day of Racial Healing. We will also honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
With all this to guide us, let’s collectively explore what it has meant, continues to mean, and could mean in the future to experience Hawai‘i as our home aloha, our beloved home.
We do this by engaging in the following questions:
- What has made it both beautiful as well as challenging to call Hawai‘i home:
- Historically?
- Currently?
- What can the lessons from these experiences mean for the Hawai‘i we want to shape as home for our children and grandchildren?
We will pause and engage together on this day by sharing stories, listening deeply, creating art, making connections, building relationships, and sharing meals together.
We recognize that there will be events occurring around O‘ahu and throughout Hawai‘i, including but not limited to the ever-important march from Mauna‘ala to ‘Iolani Palace. We invite you to attend as little or as much of our offerings described below as you weave together the many events happening across space and time for your own growth, healing, and connection.
All are welcome including UH Mānoa students, staff, and faculty as well as community members/organizations.
For questions please email: nhpol@hawaii.edu
Registration is now closed, and we have reached a maximum capacity for pilina circles! But please feel free to come and join us in person for our other activities! Check out the other events for the day below!
Events of the Day
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
We recommend bringing your own water container, wearing comfortable footwear and clothing, and bringing a hāliʻi, blanket or comfortable chair if possible.
Kakahiaka (Morning)
Meet other UH Mānoa students, staff, faculty, and community members while having the opportunity to learn the chant “Welina Mānoa” composed by award-winning Kumu Hula and musician Dr. Keawe Lopes.
A free light morning meal to follow.
Location: McCarthy Mall (look for the white tent)
- “Story sharing and radical listening” with Sean Dunnington
Join this workshop with playwright and story coach Sean Dunnington to learn innovative techniques for writing and sharing parts of your mo‘olelo (story) out loud. In particular, we will focus on mo‘olelo that express your experience of Hawai‘i as home.
Location: Bilger Hall 150
- Mālama ‘āina activity with Nōweo Kai
Join this session with UH Mānoa Campus Arboretum Curator, Nōweo Kai, to huli ka lima i lalo (turn your hands to the ground) and learn how to take care of some of UH Mānoa’s beautiful meakanu (plants). Prepare to get a tiny bit dirty and do some walking. Comfortable footwear and clothes are recommended.
Location: Meet at McCarthy Mall (look for the white tent)
- Movement and meditation activity with Laura Toyofuku-Aki
Join this session to engage in some body and soul medicine with Laura Toyofuku-Aki of Project Koa Yoga. We will spend some time discussing the important connection between healthy bodies and a thriving Hawai‘i, engaging in meditation that focuses on resilience and future generations, and connecting with the many stories that our bodies hold through some gentle movement. Bring a mat or towel if you have one but not required. Comfortable clothes are recommended. No experience is needed.
Location: Grassy area in front of Bilger Hall on McCarthy Mall
Free refreshments to follow these sessions.
Awakea (Midday)
Please join this time of ho‘okupu as we honor Queen Lili‘uokalani at Ke Ahu o Kamaka‘eha. This will be followed by ho‘okupu to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr at his plaque near the Art School. An oli or lei would be appropriate. If you are not mākaukau, feel free to observe quietly.
*Please no single-strand ti-leaf lei (even in multiple strands)*
Location: Meet at the front of the Queen Lili‘uokalani Student Services building
Please join us for a free meal following the ceremonies for Queen Lili‘uokalani and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Catered by Haili‘s Hawaiian Food and dessert by Slice
Location: McCarthy Mall (Look for the white tent)
Please join us for a Pilina Circle: An opportunity to share stories, listen deeply, and discover pilina with yourself and others. Learn new tools for holding this type of space in your homes and organizations.
Location: Queen Lili‘uokalani Building Mānoa Campus or online (*Please pre-register for this event. The exact location will be emailed to you upon registration)
Please join us as we sing Hawai‘i Aloha to close our day.
Location: Inside the Queen Lili‘uokalani Student Services Building
Parking Map
Event Location Details
McCarthy Mall: Location pin and photograph


Kakahiaka Workshops
Ma ka hana ka ʻike (By doing one learns)
Our pause is inspired and shaped by the following quotes:



Resources
As you prepare for January 17th, 2023 we encourage you to explore the following resources to learn more about Hawaiʻi as a beloved home through its history.
- Hawai‘i’s Story by Hawai‘i’s Queen
- Ua Mau ke Ea
- Act of War
- Ka Pono No Hawai‘i (An article on home from the Hawaiian language newspapers with translation)
- Hawaiʻi Aloha
- National Day of Racial Healing
More event details can be found on our new Instagram. For questions please email: nhpol@hawaii.edu
View this profile on InstagramUH Manoa Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office (@nhpolmanoa) • Instagram photos and videos

Mahalo!
Thank you for joining us. We look forward to seeing you again next year!