One for the books in a very unique way. This is the first time we had to modify our typical Hoʻopuka ceremony to accommodate for COVID protocols and safety. We moved from the whole hālau and guests of the graduates in attendance to a much more intimate ceremony in Kumu’s backyard. These papa began their journey in the typical fashion in early July 2019 but had to finish their year and bring their waʻa back home through Zoom and post-poned their Hoʻopuka to October 2020. As they were supposed to graduate in May 2020, these papa had a test of patience and steadfastness as learning hula through the computer is extremely challenging – especially if you started live. On the bright side, we were able to have the ceremony on Hula-ween! This added a bit of fun for the keiki as they performed their ʻauana in their Halloween costumes. The hālau was still present via Zoom and their aloha was still felt all around. Guests were very limited but still present to support their loved ones. A very special hoʻomaikaʻi to these graduates undergoing the trials and tribulations of handling the end of their journey in a very unique 2020 kind of way! Mahalo to Ryan Urak and the haumāna present for these beautiful photos!
