Nānā I Ke Kumu Series | November Program

Kaʻū Nui Hiehie i ka Makani pays tribute to Mary Kawena Pukui’s beloved homeland of Kaʻū—the place that formed her understanding of the world, her knowledge of our customs and practices, and her deep awareness of both the natural and spiritual realms. This evening of mele, moʻolelo, and memory honors Pukui’s enduring influence through the voices of her descendants, collaborators, and those inspired by her life’s work. Together, we celebrate her profound contributions to Hawaiian language, song, and story, and the legacy that continues to flourish through generations. About the Nānā I Ke Kumu Series In partnership with the Mary Kawena Pukui Cultural Preservation Society, Bishop Museum invites you to celebrate the life, work, and enduring legacy of Mary Kawena Pukui, a foundational pillar of Hawaiian knowledge and cultural revitalization. Throughout 2025, the Nānā i ke Kumu Series offered monthly programs that highlight Mrs. Pukui’s unparalleled contributions to ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, moʻolelo, hula, mele, and the perpetuation of ʻike kupuna. Mrs. Pukui’s dedication laid the foundation for the Hawaiian Renaissance of the 1970s and continues to inspire today’s movements to advance Kanaka identity and independence. The Nānā i ke Kumu Series invites practitioners, scholars, students, and the broader community to engage in Mrs. Pukui’s works, exploring the ʻike kupuna she documented as a guide for addressing contemporary challenges.