I was honored to be flown out to Washington D.C. in May to photograph Halau Nohona Hawai’i’s 2016 Ho’ike. The Halau was founded in 2014 with a mission to create a positive and nurturing environment where students can learn the beautiful Hawaiian culture, its traditions, and share the spirit of aloha with local communities. They do this through the teachings of hula, language, chant, protocols, music, arts and history. Students range from 4 years of age to 65+, from beginners to advanced, and consist of children, teens, and adults. The students come from many diverse cultures, including approximately 50% being native Hawaiian, so you see a gorgeous tapestry of smiles and colors when they perform. The Ho’ike was packed full of entertainment, with over 20 dances, many raffles and wonderful Hawaiian food.

The weekend was doubly blessed for me because I was able to take my daughter, Kaia, with me. She was able to bond with our Ohana that live in the MD/DC area and see her Aunty and cousins perform in the Ho’ike. From the moment you meet the members of the Halau, you feel as though you have been transported to Hawai’i; you hear the language, feel the music, and see the laughter. They truly have a special group there! Although I was very busy during the performances capturing all the action, it was such a nice weekend enveloped and surrounded in Aloha.

Mahalo Nui Loa Halau Nohona Hawai’i!