To celebrate the Hawaiian New Year, also known as Makahiki, the Saint Louis Hawaiian Department came together in Hula and Oli (chant) to commemorate the ancient Hawaiian deity, Lono, who brings forth rain, agriculture, and peace.

In ancient times, Hawaiians saw Makahiki as a sign of rain, agriculture, and peace, as it came with the rainy season. Now, modern-day Hawaiians such as Kumu Kawika Mersberg and Kumu Kaipo Leopoldino are trying to bring back that ancient style of Makahiki at Saint Louis through classes such as Hui O Nā ‘Ōpio and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. For the past 4 years, Makahiki has been celebrated by Hui O Nā ‘Ōpio and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, where they perform Hula in Kahiko (ancient) style, and they also perform Oli (chants) under the direction of Mersberg. 

To be able to participate in the Makahiki event, students must go through a large amount of preparation. This includes examples such as Lei making, learning multiple hula dances, performing several types of Oli (chant), and tying their Malo (loincloth). The ceremony typically starts with Hui O Nā ‘Ōpio students marching down the campus roads while performing Oli until they get to the front of Bertram Hall’s lawn. However, due to the heavy rain, the entire ceremony was forced to move to the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletic Center, where Hui O Nā ‘Ōpio and ʻŌlelo Hawaii performed their ceremony. “It was a good challenge for us… it taught us how to adapt to things thrown our way last minute,” says Hui O Nā ‘Ōpio dancer Kalaʻi Kealoha when asked about the harsh weather conditions during the ceremony.

While at the Athletic Center, the entire school could attend the Makahiki ceremony and witness the Hui O Nā ‘Ōpio dancers perform along with a group of young women from Sacred Hearts School. The Hui O Na ʻŌpio classes, varying from grades 7-12, danced a plethora of dances such as Maikaʻi Ke Anu O Waimea, Auʻa ʻia, Kawika, and many more to showcase what they have learned throughout the school year. “Learning Hulihia was cool too because it talks about the eruption of a volcano and Pele’s relationship with her sister and her boyfriend,” says Hui O Nā ‘Ōpio dancer Kaipo Kaalekahi-Aikau. 

Hui O Nā ‘Ōpio and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi then joined together to recite chants such as “Kahekahe E Ka Wai,” which ended the ceremony. Hui O Nā ‘Ōpio and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi students were then able to meet with family and loved ones to take pictures and receive leis. 

Over the years, Makahiki has gained much attention from the school family. Across the island, Mersberg hopes to gain even more attention so that he can spread Hawaiian culture to the world in a positive way that can enlighten others on what hula entails.