Behind the Bloom – Mele Lei – with Kimo Keaulana at Lanikuhonua
My Amazing Friend Kimo Keaulana - on the Beautiful Grounds of the Lanikuhonua Cultural Institute… preparing to perform this Historical Mele Lei - Mahalo Nui!
Today on our Behind the Bloom Video on uBloom- I am deeply honored to present my Hawaiian Friend Kimo Keaulana- a Cultural Practitioner, Hawaiian Knowledge Teacher and Hula Master. I met Kimo through our mutual friend Jenny Fiedler that helped introduce me to all the wonderful people that we were able to visit, feature- and talk with when Filming our Hawaii Episodes for Life in Bloom. Kimo is featured in the NEW Episode 705- A Day for Lei- You can watch it here!
Lanikuhonua Cultural Center- Hawaiian translation- “Where Heaven Meets the Earth”- an incredibly perfect name for this amazing historical Hawaiian Location preserved for generations to come! Thank you Kimo for your kind invitation….
Kimo graciously and with much Aloha invited myself and the crew to the Lanikuhonua Cultural Institute- (translation: Where Heaven meets the Earth) – to share his knowledge about Lei- during our visit to the Lei Day Celebration. The Lanikuhonua property is true to it’s name- it is one of the most glorious and beautiful places I have ever visited- on Hawaii or otherwise- and to have the opportunity to see Lanikuhonua in person- with Kimo as our guide was nothing short of Magical.
Kimo performing this Historical Mele Lei- with Koa wood sticks- in the traditional seated position- reserved for Mele Lei for Chiefs and Chiefess’ - what a incredible opportunity to see this authentic Mele Lei- presented by Hula Master Kimo!
Kimo provided so much Cultural Education- and more so the History of Lei- with treasured examples that are part of Kimo’s extensive collection… Shell Lei, Feather Lei, Vintage Kukui Nut Lei, and so much more… I was so pleased that our Lei Experts- knew that Kimo’s Favorite Lei is Yellow and White Plumeria- (the Lei of the Hula as well)… so I was able to greet him with a favorite- as we toured the grounds of Lanikuhonua… barefoot- allowing me to experience the sacred grounding to this place so aptly named- Where Heaven meets the Earth… Mahalo nui - my dear Friend Kimo!
The entrance to this amazing Property… You can learn more at the Website for Lanikuhonua Cultural Institute - here!
Today- Kimo “talks story” about Lei- and how Lei were presented- and agreed to perform- the Original and Symbolic Mele Lei (translation- “Lei in Song”) – that was created for Queen Kapi’olani – Kimo explains this Mele Lei and the history- with such passion- and accuracy- I will leave this honor to him… I hope you enjoy this rare performance- and the history and cultural significance of Lei- and this historical Mele Lei – performed by the Iconic and Incredible Kimo Keaulana on location at Lanikuhonua Cultural Institute on Oahu! Please take a few moments to enjoy Kimo and his incredible teachings and talent.
You can watch this weeks’ Video HERE!