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Merrie Monarch Enrichment Programs

  • ʻImiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii 600 Imiloa Place Hilo, HI, 96720 United States (map)

April 3

Program Schedule

Questions about booking? Call us at 808-932-8901.


"Huli Your Hulu Mindset": The Joy of Featherwork Workshop

Wednesday, April 3

10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

ʻImiloa’s Classroom

Admission: $40 members; $55 non-members

Embark on a journey into the traditional Hawaiian art of featherwork with Hawaiian artist Tapu Hanapi.

This introductory workshop emphasizes the mindful approach to crafting with feathers, guiding each participant to create their own Pua Hulu (Feather Flower) and a miniature Kahili.

Designed to foster patience, promote joy over frustration, and strengthen bonds among haumāna (students), this session offers a unique blend of artistic skill and cultural immersion.

Discover the beauty of featherwork and connect with fellow learners in this enriching and joyful experience.


"Nā Manaʻo Aloha o Kahoʻolawe" Book & Panel Discussion

Wednesday, April 3

10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

ʻImiloa’s Moanahōkū Hall

Admission: FREE members; $15 non-members

In 2022, Awaiaulu reprinted "Nā Manaʻo Aloha o Kahoʻolawe," a crucial text on the Kahoʻolawe movement, to enrich understanding of a key moment in Hawaiian history.

This book details Walter Ritte and Richard Sawyer's occupation of Kahoʻolawe to end the U.S. Military's bombing of the island in the 1970s.

Join us at ʻImiloa for a panel discussion featuring Walter Ritte, Jr., Loretta Ritte, Richard Sawyer, Zennie Sawyer, and Mahealani McClellan, offering insights into their experiences.

The evening's highlight, a hula by Loretta Ritte to “Mele Kahoʻolawe,” with Heuaʻolu Sai-Dudoit's singing, vividly brings the movement's essence to life. Attendees can also purchase their own copy of the book.


Flower Earring Workshop with Pakalana Mai Nei

Wednesday, April 3

1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

ʻImiloa’s Classroom

Admission: $40 members; $55 non-members

Noelle Campbell of Pakalana Mai Nei is hosting this unique workshop to make fresh flower earring hoops! Noelle is a true "mompreneur" and started Pakalana Mai Nei as a way to feature the cherished pakalana flower in her lei and earring creations.

This endeavor has blossomed her creativity, allowing her to engage in ʻohana traditions, and instill work ethic values in her own keiki. While the pakalana is a seasonal flower, Noelle's creations now include other florals such as crown flower, kou, bougainvillea, and ʻaʻaliʻi.

All participants will be provided with the materials needed to make a pair of fresh flower earrings and learn about the flowers and plants they will use.


Hawaiian Soul Film Screening & Discussion

Wednesday, April 3

1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

ʻImiloa’s Moanahōkū Hall

Admission: FREE members; $15 non-members

Watch this exclusive screening of the Oscar qualifying short-film Hawaiian Soul (2020) with filmmaker ʻĀina Paikai in attendance.

Against the backdrop of the 1970s native rights movement, George Helm, a young Hawaiian activist and musician must gain the support of kūpuna (community elders) from the island of Maui to aid in the fight of protecting the precious neighboring island of Kahoʻolawe from military bombing.

This narrative short-film is based on the true story of Hawaiian hero, George Jarrett Helm Jr. It is a tribute to the legacy of a leader and artist that used his voice to inspire a revolution of consciousness. We hope to honor his music and timeless message of Aloha ʻĀina.