Lei Hoʻohie – Nā Moʻolelo o Oʻahu

With support from the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority’s Kūkulu Ola program, Hikaʻalani proudly shares Lei Hoʻohie – Nā Moʻolelo o Oʻahu, an ongoing initiative that brings selected place-based mele of Oʻahu to the public through research, translation, and cultural context.

Through this project, Hikaʻalani has identified and translated meaningful mele that deepen understanding of the histories, relationships, and ʻike embedded within these cherished compositions. Each selection offers a window into the people, places, and stories that have shaped Oʻahu across generations.

Released quarterly, these mele invite readers and listeners to engage with compositions that honor beloved ʻāina, commemorate significant events and people, and preserve ʻike carried forward through time. By expanding access to these cultural resources, Hikaʻalani seeks to strengthen connection to place, support education, and encourage more thoughtful storytelling about Hawaiʻi.