The Kumulipo, a 2,102-line genealogy oli (chant) rarely heard in its entirety, will echo across the grounds of ʻIolani Palace for the first time in decades. Among the many voices bringing the oli to life is Kalei Nuʻuhiwa, a Hawaiian studies lecturer at Hawaiʻi Community College–Pālamanui. The highly anticipated 2025 Kumulipo Showcase on September 14, is free and open to the public and part of Hawaiian History Month festivities this Kepakemapa (September), co-sponsored by the Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
Nuʻuhiwa, a respected scholar of Kaulana Mahina (Hawaiian lunar calendar), explained that the Kumulipo is a pule hoʻolaʻa aliʻi (prayer to sanctify aliʻi). It links Native Hawaiians of today to more than 100 generations of their ancestors, reaching back to the time of source darkness, the birth of the universe. The Maui native and her haumāna (students) are among 66 chanters joining nā kumu hula (masters of hula) Kamuela Chun, Kalani Akana, Mehanaokalā Hind and Kaponoai Molitau. The last time the Kumulipo was recited in full was in 1999.
Echoes of resilience
The chant, which begins at 5:30 p.m. at dusk, will honor Queen Liliʻuokalani, who translated the Kumulipo while imprisoned inside the Palace.
“I think at that time she was probably depressed and trying to find answers for what happened to her and looking into the Kumulipo for hints of overcoming some of those challenges,” said Nuʻuhiwa. “She probably also wanted to help Hawaiians remember who they were, who they are and who they can become.”
More than 500 people are expected to gather for the historic performance, presented in collaboration with The Friends of ʻIolani Palace.
“We (The Friends of ʻIolani Palace) are so proud to kōkua the venue for this amazing event,” said Paula Akana, executive director of The Friends of ʻIolani Palace. “Queen Liliʻuokalani translated the Kumulipo into English while she was imprisoned here. It is a remarkable work that not only speaks to our Queen’s knowledge; but also to the brilliance of Indigenous knowledge.“
Stirring the naʻau (inner knowing)
Among the sections of the Kumulipo Nuʻuhiwa and her haumāna will present is the portion recounting the creation of stars and planets. She hopes the full journey of the oli experience will stir something deep in those who listen.
“Maybe inspiration to do something they’ve been thinking about doing. Just kind of dropping the barrier and going for it and moving forward with your own personal growth and then collective growth is what I hope happens.”
Nuʻuhiwa noted that the Kumulipo event falls under the Hawaiian moon phase ʻOlepau, one of the Kanaloa moons. In Hawaiian tradition, these moons are believed to strengthen connections to ancestors and reopen the foundations that ground and guide us.
Event highlights (All events are free and open to the public.)
- September 17 and 19—Kahiki: Native Hawaiians Abroad
September 17: Virtual program from San Diego, CA
September 19: Live and virtual program from Iosepa, Utah - September 26—Holoholo Honolulu: Historic Health Sites Tour
Ride through Honolulu on a double-decker bus and discover stories of health, community and aloha. - September 27—Hoʻōla: History of Hawaiian Health, Virtual Presentation
Explore Hawaiʻi’s historic health responses and resilience.
For the full schedule, visit HawaiianHistoryMonth.org.
