Hawaiian Mele

“This is a wonderful contribution to effective resources for children's learning about and coming to appreciate Hawai'i's history, its islands' beautiful locations, and its people.”

 

- Barbara Smith, Professor Emerita in Ethnomusicology, UHM


Part 1: History

Discussing the origins, history, and religion of the Hawaiian people.


Part II: Hawaiian Music

Discussing the different types and eras of Hawaiian Music, including Mele Oli and Mele Hula.

Part III: Hawaiian Music

Discussing hula kahiko, `auana,  and contemporary Hawaiian music.

Aloha,

This self-funded video project was started six years ago. The site aims to provide resources for students and teachers, to help them discover more about Hawaiian culture and mele.


I would like to express my most sincere gratitude to the kumus, friends, and keikis who helped me complete this project. They shared their expertise and guidance, providing valuable information about the Hawaiian culture, performing hula and chanting, without asking for any reward. Because of their generosity,  keikis and teachers can benefit from these valuable videos and learn more about Hawaiian mele and culture.

 

Kumu Hula Carolee Nishi shared her materials and helped me compile the hulas that can be taught to pre-service teachers and students in public and private settings. Kumu Carolee is immensely passionate about the Hawaiian culture and never said no when I asked for advice. Mahalo.

 

My friend, Aaron Salā, was kind enough to narrate the script in the video. He paid attention to the content details, and his pronunciation made the video presentation authentic. His wife, Kumu Makanani Salā, was generous to share her beautiful hula in the video.

 

I would also like to express my gratitude to Dr. Barbara Smith, who guided and encouraged me when I first came to the UHM. She showed me where to find significant material, including that of the pioneer of teaching Hawaiian music in these island's schools, Dorothy M. Kahananui, that is used in this project.

 

To them, mahalo nui.

 

E nānea mai (Enjoy)!

Chet-Yeng Loong

February, 2021

Credits

 

Executive Producer: Chet-Yeng Loong, Ph.D. 

Written by: Chet-Yeng Loong, Ph.D. 
Director: Brent Gummow
Camera: Brent Gummow and Chet-Yeng Loong
Editing: Brent Gummow
Narration: Aaron Salā 
`Ukulele and Guitar Music: Shepherd Kawakami

 

YouTube video permission are granted from:
Nā keiki o Hula Hui o Kapunahala o Nu’uanu YMCA.

 

 

Special Acknowledgement: 

  • Kumu Hula Carolee Nishi
  • Kumu Makanani Salā 
  • Robyne Whitney Tavares and Krystal Leilani Yamamura
  • Nā keiki o Hula Hui o Kapunahala o Nu’uanu YMCA, A Hawaiian Studies Program, YMCA’s of Honolulu, Hawai’i

 

References

click here

This video is made for education purposes, not for sale.  You are welcome to leave your comments below:

Comments: 4
  • #4

    Lorraine Yuen (Saturday, 05 August 2023 17:26)

    Dear Dr. Loong,
    Do you still teach preschool with Impel (I think it’s called.)? If so, can you send me a link? My daughter Jadelynn was in your class. I have someone asking. Please email me a link for the site. My email is i_am_delivered@yahoo.com. I miss your music classes. I am now homeschooling my daughter while taking care of my in-laws & handicap dad. Jadelynn is still in HYOC thanks to you.

    Thank you,
    Lorraine Yuen

  • #3

    Ginny Young (Thursday, 31 March 2022 01:25)

    The video on Hawaiian music was exquisite - well-researched and presented with clarity. The video is appropriate for fourth grade students whose curriculum includes Hawaiian history. The entire series of videos should be available for teachers who teach Hawaiian studies.

  • #2

    Annette endow (Saturday, 26 February 2022 11:02)

    Mahalo for sharing this “Hawaiian Mele” as an educational apppreciation , with the 3 parts presentation. The history , the music and explanation through kumu Aaron Sala and kumu Carolee Nishi were well presented and brought much reverence , admiration, respect and appreciation for the Hawaiian culture.
    The background scenic views were very inviting and certainly calming.
    Well done Professor Leoong, I learned a lot too.

  • #1

    Laurel Bloombaum (Tuesday, 04 May 2021 13:47)

    These videos are so informative and beautifully constructed. They provide detailed background about Hawaiian culture, music, history and the environment through narrative and examples. The photography is superb. Thank you for making this available to students of Hawaiian Studies.