Polynesian Cultural Club

The Polynesian Cultural Club is Na Kahumoku's after-school program for cultural studies. This program is open to all students at Kealakehe Intermediate regardless of whether or not they are enrolled in the Na Kahumoku class (although we do encourage students in the class to get involved, we do not require it). The program is held after-school on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and also on various other days when we have performances.

There are three staff members that run the Polynesian Cultural Club; "Aunty" Foa Molio`o, Daniel Benner and our kumu hula (hula teacher) Nicola Ching. Each staff member contributes their knowledge of various Polynesian Dances to the students and serves as positive mentors and role-models for them as well.

The Polynesian Cultural Club has its own twist on environmental education. These dances students learn relate to either the conservation or perpetuation of the natural environment and/or culture, or relate to leadership strength. Examples of this are provided below:

Ka Uluwehi o Ke Kai - This is a Kahiko Hula that was taught by Kumu Ching that talks about the joys (and the hardships) of picking limu from the sea, in other words, the work and dedication it takes to live off the land.

Tiene La Lelei o Samoa - This dance was taught by "Aunty" Foa to the girls of Polynesian Cultural Club. It is a dance originating from Samoa and it talks about the natural beauty of Samoa and how that beauty is preserved; how Samoa never changes when one leaves and comes back. This dance ties in with our goal of connecting students with the concept of environmental and cultural conservation.

Ka Mate Haka - The Ka Mate Haka was taught to the boys of the Polynesian Cultural Club initially by Daniel Benner and then was extended by a Maori dancer, Tipoki, who volunteered time from the local Tongan Church. It is a chant/dance that originated from Aotearoa (New Zealand) and it is a powerful dance that is primarily used for intimidating enemies in war or in competitive events. On a deeper level, though, this chant/dance speaks of resiliency and strength in the face of adversary, as a celebration of life overcoming death.

The Polynesian Cultural Club's History

The Polynesian Cultural Club was a separate extra-curricular program started in 2007 by a teacher at Kealakehe Intermediate named Ben Babauta. The program merged with Na Kahumoku in the summer of 2008, and now is an important component of the Na Kahumoku's program to help foster students connection with indigenous culture and its importance for connecting with the environment.

Ben Babauta was our kumu hula for Na Kahumoku for the fall semester in 2008. Due to unforeseen circumstances, he resigned from his position and now the Polynesian Cultural Club's kumu hula is Nicola Ching.