Cyril Pahinui at Hi’ilawe: Aloha Shirt by Hulatown

May 20, 2010 by hulatown
Filed under Aloha Wear, Events, Photographs

Cyril at Hi'ilawe - Aloha Shirt by Hulatown

I selected this shirt especially for the video shoot at Hi’ilawe in Waipio. It was exactly the right color and the designs are beautiful.

On May 6 & 7, 8, we held our annual He Huaka’i E Pana Na I Ke Ea ‘O Waipio Valley workshop in Waipio Valley where we teach Hi’ilawe below the namesake waterfall.

We are working on shooting a music video of our He Huaka’i sites and so began this project by recording a video of the mele Hi’ilawe at the waterfall.

We arrived on Thursday afternoon. Our guide, Likeke started us off with a chant asking permission to come into the valley and travel up to the area. When entering a place of such cultural significance we begin with a protocol of entry, an oli komo- entry chant, a kahea-calling request for safe and welcome entrance and a promise to be respectful and while there to do righteous work.

We spent the rest of the day relaxing, planning our hike and having a kanikapila -playing music together.

We woke early in the morning, had a light breakfast and coffee and loaded up our camera equipment and the koa guitar, wrapping everything in large heavy duty trash bags. We then joined hands to chant E Ho Mai, asking for strength, wisdom, and knowledge and safe travels. Then we started off.

We first visited the home of Sam Li’a where the song was conceived and written. Then off up the valley following the Hi’ilawe Stream. The hike takes about 2 1/2 hours with all of the equipment. We had to cross the stream in neck deep water several times and climb huge boulders and pass through Hawaiian Bamboo forests often walking on cliff edges with slippery slopes and rocky drops.

When we finally arrived it was amazing! I had come full circle. I have taken the song around the world and now had brought it back home to sing for this ancient chief, his namesake waterfall and for my dad who I do not think ever made it to the top of this valley.

The day was overcast and lightly sprinkling. As we began to set up our equipment and prepare for the vidoe the clouds parted and the sun shown through giving us the perfect lighting and lasting for almost an hour so we were able to do 3 takes of the song before the clouds returned and the light misty rain began again.

The experience was like nothing I have ever had. Being in this ancient place singing this song of such significance for my family. I cannot express the depth of my emotions at that moment.

When we finished the last take we went for a swim in the large pool at the base of the falls. The water was cold and the falls pouring down into its depths.

After a light snack we packed everything back up and hiked the 2 1/2 hours back to the cabin.

The next day, we participated in a Kanikapila, luau, talk story with the community of people from the Valley.

We are already looking forward to next year’s visit in May.

This is a rare and wonderful opportunity to experience the valley and its people and learn the history and heritage that make Waipio a treasured Wai pana.

Cyril

http://cyrilpahinui.com/

email cyril@cyrilpahinui.com

Tags: Big Island, Cyril Pahinui, Hawaii, Hawaiian, Hawaiian music, hiilawe, Hula, Hula Supply Center, Hulatown, Mike Kop, Syl Kop