‘Ike Kupuna

Archival Video Documentaries

This project documents the knowledge of our kupuna & their stories, striving to create resources that connects people/keiki to the rich history and kua’aina of this land.

One of the most important resources for our children, is documented kupuna testimony and stories. Sharing the ‘ike (knowledge) that raised our kupuna to better understand our cultural resources and the many traditional practices that came with everyday life in East Maui.

As we listen to the stories of our kupuna, we start to better understand our wahi pana, geneology, mountains, streams, and the many talents of our anscestors. From stories of the Loko i’a (fishponds) to the mo’olelo of our muliwai, we begin to connect our stories, and bring them back to life.

East Maui has long been a center of agricultural productivity which also gives it a rich cultural history. Prior to Western contact, the ahupuaʻa supported Hawaiians for hundreds and hundreds of years with kalo (taro), sweet potato, bananas, and a thriving fishery.

The voices of our kupuna are the stories of old that keep our generation rooted to the lifestyle of our ancestors. This unique footage captures their individuality, loving spirits, epic tales, historic events of their time, important wisdom and priceless insights into fishing, farming, gathering, and Hawaiian culture, all of which they have used to educate their ‘ohana, and community members.