Post #312044 by RevBambooBen on Sun, Jun 10, 2007 10:15 AM

The Aloha Spirit is alive in the O.C.

Sunday, May 13, 2007
Orange Slices: Aloha spirit
Orange County Hawaiians are preserving their rich heritage by sharing a culture that transcends generations.
Photos and story by H. Lorren Au Jr.
The Orange County Register
Native Hawaiian Paddy Kakihara and her husband, Tom, are on a mission.

The Huntington Beach residents join fellow members of the 'Ainahau O Kaleponi Hawaiian Civic Club in Garden Grove in sharing their cultural heritage. They feel that in order for Hawaiian culture to flourish, individual Hawaiians must assume some personal responsibility.

They join club members in keeping alive the islands' cultural practices including 'ôlelo Hawai'i (language), hula (dance), mele (song and music) and the traditional values of their nâ kûpuna (ancestors.)

The club takes cultural programs to churches and elementary schools in Orange and Los Angeles counties. They also visit convalescent and senior homes, hospitals and senior centers, where members entertain – Hawaiian style.

By sharing what they know about their heritage, the Kakiharas can relive the days of their youth in Hawaii while also planting the seeds for future generations' curiosity about their culture, says Paddy Kakihara.

"For a long time, it seemed Hawaiian culture was kept under a rock but since the late '60s there has been a renaissance. Now being Hawaiian is something to be proud of," she says.

Orange Slices is a weekly feature documenting life in Orange County. Send ideas to Lorren Au at [email protected].