Mele Mau

June 13, 2024
5 – 10 p.m.
Great Lawn

Kau Ka Pe‘a Holo Ka Wa‘a: Celebrating Voyaging Throughout Moananuiākea culminates in a special evening event “Mele Mau,” which includes the sharing of mele and mo‘olelo by Hawai‘i and Pacific Islander voyaging groups in honor of Mau Piailug, a formal proclamation, and a closing music concert. We invite the community to join us on Bishop Museum’s Great Lawn as ‘Ohana Wa‘a gather to pay tribute to Mau Piailug and his ʻohana as we express our deepest gratitude for all that he has given to the Pacific and beyond. See program timeline below.

‘Ohana Wa‘a – Mele and ‘Oli
5 – 7 p.m.
Following a Kani Ka Pū, which all who have a pū or a pū ʻohe are welcome to participate in, Kumu Hula Snowbird Puananiopaoakalani Bento and Kumu Hula Mehanaokalā Hind will open our evening with ‘oli.

Waʻa representatives of Makaliʻi, Hawaiʻiloa, Hōkūleʻa, Hikianalia, Moʻokiha o Piʻilani, Moʻolele, Marumaru Atua, Faafaite, Iosepa, Haunui, Hinemoana, Ellen Eoreni, Chechemini Eoreni, and more will share the mele and ‘oli. of their waʻa tradition.

Honoring Papa Mau Piailug: Remarks & Proclamation
7 – 8 p.m.
Remarks by Nainoa Thompson
Proclamation for Papa Mau Piailug
Remarks by Tom Raffipiy, representative of Mau Piailug ʻOhana
Mahalo nui to ʻohana in attendance, including: Tony Urumeyang, Sesario Sewralur, Plasito Eseluqupi & Family, Isidore Metewalur, Robert Erailug, Gabriel Ramoloilug, Celcilio Raikiulpiy, Max Yarawamai, Santus Wichimai, Tom Raffipiy, Sebastian & Valen Mwarepiy, Halora Lapiyalur, Martha Laloue, Clarissa Naeigeorhiuw, Judy Sewralur, Milo Taifmai

Makaliʻi ʻOhana Top Ten & Hōkūleʻa Album Band
8 – 10 p.m.
To cap off the night, join the Hōkūleʻa Band & Makaliʻi ʻOhana as they share mele sung at sea. Makaliʻi Top Ten is led by Captain and Pwo Navigator Chadd Paishon. Hōkūleʻa Album Band led by original member Mike Kaʻawa.