E Ike Hou ia Lanai’s First Hybrid Program a Success

Contributed by Shelly Preza, Executive Director, Lanai Culture & Heritage Center

Originally published in the August 2021 issue of Lanai Today.

The ninth-annual E Ike Hou ia Lanai summer cultural literacy program took place in July. Run by the Lanai Culture and Heritage Center (Lanai CHC), E Ike Hou 2021 was the organization’s first hybrid program, which included both virtual and in-person activities. Developed by Shelly Preza, Jana Kaopuiki, and Ikaika Ramones, the month-long program invited students and their families to learn about the legacy of place embedded in moolelo, or stories. The program theme this year was “Lei ana Lanai i ka haaheo” to honor the way Lanai is adorned like a lei with the humble pride of its people.

More than sixty participants registered for E Ike Hou, ranging from pre-K to adults. While most participants were on Lanai, the virtual parts of the program were also accessible to off-island students and their families. Throughout July, Lanai CHC hosted sixteen virtual workshops and eight in-person activities, which gave students the opportunity to learn olelo Hawaii, hale building, acrylic painting, lauhala weaving, lei-making, knot-tying, memoir writing and more! Stewardship and learning activities also were offered at Hii agricultural heiau and Waiaopae fishpond. The program culminated in a virtual hoike celebration, which featured live music, prize giveaways, and mana‘o from the culture center board.

Many hands pitched in to make E Ike Hou 2021 a success. The generosity of Kamehameha Schools, Hawaii Community Foundation: Lanai Community Benefit Fund, and Pulama Lanai has allowed us to continue offering this program free-of-charge to all participants. We would also like to acknowledge this year’s kumu and contributors: Jana Kaopuiki, Ikaika Ramones, Shelly Preza, Kepa and Onaona Maly, the Pulama Lanai CHP crew (Ben Ostrander, Kaleo Ropa, Jesse Del Rosario, Cheleigh Clarabal, Stacy Miyamoto), Kalawai‘a and Kauanoe Moore, Dane Fujiwara, Simon Tajiri, Saadie Ropa, Emily States, Milinanea Clarabal, Diane Preza, Nelinia Cabiles, Irene Davis, Daniel Forsythe, Travis Turqueza, Natalie Ropa, Alicia Brandt, Michelle Fujie, and all our other leaders for their contributions to our program and community. Together, we can ensure the legacy of Lāna‘i is a bright one. E ola Lanai a Kaululaau!

To view all the program photos, visit www.eikehou.com/photos.