H310/N390: Transcultural Healthcare in Hawaii

Since the ukulele originated in Hawaii, the Polynesian Cultural Center offered ukulele lessons and sales. We were treated to an impromptu duet with our very own Christina Maris and Key. I had to share a little of this wonderful moment. Later in the day, I passed Key while walking through the area. He gave me the Shaka sign and began playing this song, again.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is a living museum on the North shore of Oahu. We’re lucky to be spending the day and evening at PCC! Students are able to experience arts, crafts, dancing and song from eight cultures: Aotearoa, Fiji, Hawaii, Rapa Nui, Samoa, Tahiti, and Tongo. We’re ending the evening with a luau and a show called Ha, Breath of Life. Additionally, this evening, PCC happens to be hosting the World Fireknife Championships!

Look for more photos throughout the day!

Kumu Funk poses with a statute of Hamana Kalili, who is credited as the inspiration for the Shaka sign. Hamana lost his three middle fingers in an accident at the sugar mill where he worked. As children imitated him, this gesture eventually morphed into the signature, cultural gesture it is today. Shaka can indicate a friendly greeting or good-bye, show solidarity, or the often-referenced directive to “hang loose”.

Today, the students began individual observations of complementary and alternative health practices. Laurin Ebert, Katie Hunsley & Rachel Laboda learned about yoga from practitioner, Summer Rothwell. Summer did an excellent job of sharing not only the history of yoga, but also contemporary applications with autistic children and frail older adults.

Caitlyn Convery, Melissa Holzer, and Lucas Wheat learned about Reiki practice from Bernadette Park. Bernadette has been practicing Reiki for many decades, including volunteer work with Hospice Hawaii. She has been with the course for many years.

We were grateful for these two women sharing their skills and knowledge with our students.

This evening, Laurin, Katie & Rachel presented our first student-led discussion on the meaning and connotations of the term, Haole (people living in Hawaii, but not of Hawaiian descent). We met at Fort Derussy Beach Park.