As the Merrie Monarch Festival approaches, we take a deep dive into the heartbeat of hula and the journey of the dancers who dedicate themselves to this world-renowned competition. From grueling rehearsals to the sacred protocols of their hālau, we explore what it truly takes to prepare for the stage — and why hula is so much more than a performance.

Hear firsthand from dancers and cultural practitioners about how hula grounds them in identity, heals generational trauma, and strengthens both body and spirit. This episode honors the legacy of hula as a critical piece of Hawaiian health, healing, and resistance — a living practice that connects past, present, and future.

Feel the mana as our seasoned olapa (dancers) talk about the challenges and joys of preparing for an event that honors cultural legacy and personal growth. Whether you’re a hula enthusiast or just curious, this episode is your invitation to step into a world where tradition meets passionate storytelling. Don’t miss it!

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Aloha! In this episode of Kāne Voices, we feature special guest, Aaron Siple who is a recipient of Papa Ola Lokahiʻs Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship. Join Lisa Ka'anoi as she chats with Aaron, a native Hawaiian navigating his way through the complexities of the mainland while pursuing his passion for healthcare.

Aaron shares his deep-rooted desire to return to Hawaiʻi, giving back to his community as a Physician Assistant, inspired by supportive family figures and the remarkable influence of his fiancée. From the sunny trails of Arizona back to the islands he calls home, Aaron’s journey is filled with determination, laughter, and a sincere commitment to service.

We explore the essence of identity, the longing for one's roots, and how cultural ties weave through personal and professional aspirations. It’s a story of finding your path, redefining what it means to be a Hawaiian kāne, and the importance of kuleana in one's life. Take this journey with us and find out why healthcare is not just a career, but a calling for Aaron.

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Hey there, movie buff! 🎥 Ever wonder what goes into making a blockbuster action film? Well, you're in for a treat! Join us as we dive into the journey of creating a star-studded action thriller that's streaming worldwide across eight countries. 🌍

From the adrenaline-pumping helicopter scenes to the intense conference room choreography, our incredible cast and crew share their personal highs and lows. You'll hear from industry legends like Viola Davis and rising stars who brought this epic story to life, revealing the hard work and passion that fueled every scene.

Plus, get the scoop on filming in exotic South Africa, tackling unexpected challenges, and all the behind-the-scenes fun that made this movie a truly global phenomenon. Whether it's improvised lines or emergency room-worthy stunts, this is a filmmaking adventure you won't want to miss! Buckle up and join our star-studded Q&A for exclusive insights and a few laughs along the way! 🍿🎬

Lisa Ka'ano'i and Dr. Corey Lehano take center stage to explore the journey of Native Hawaiian healthcare professionals. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the impactful Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program and its mission to uplift Kāne and their profound contributions to the healthcare sector.

Dr. Lehano shares his personal story, from contemplating a career in the military for a free laptop to unexpectedly embracing the path of healthcare. Hearing him talk about the importance of mentors, family, and the serendipitous journey to becoming a pharmacist in Maui is both enlightening and heartwarming.

So grab your favorite drink, sit back, and join us as we relish in these stories that speak to cultural identity, perseverance, and the significance of giving back to the community. You won't want to miss the delightful surprises and heartfelt moments in store. Mahalo for tuning in!

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Today, we're diving deep into a topic that hits home for so many of us: those pesky negative emotional states. You know, the kind that creeps up when life's responsibilities start piling up.

We chat about the everyday struggles of feeling overwhelmed and burnt out. We share our personal stories, discuss how these feelings impact us, and explore some simple, yet powerful, ways to get back on track. Spoiler alert: napping, sunlight, and a good cuddle do wonders!

We also touch on the importance of acknowledging our emotions, why they're not as negative as society makes them out to be, and how embracing them can lead to personal growth and healing. It's all about giving yourself permission to pause, reflect, and recharge.

So, cozy up with us and let's journey through the art of self-care and emotional balance together. And don't forget, we'd love to hear your own tips and tricks for boosting positivity in the comments. Let's create a supportive community where we lift each other up. 

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@moananuipodcast, @thereallifemoana

Deep Connections: Integrating Native Hawaiian Healing into Modern Healthcare

In this episode of the Moana Nui podcast, Kuaiwi and Keoki discuss the integrative approach of traditional Native Hawaiian healing practices, La'au Lapa'au. Key principles like ha'aha'a (humility) and aloha (compassion) are emphasized. Keoki shares his personal journey, including the transition from university teaching to clinical practice, and highlights the positive impact of combining traditional healing with modern healthcare. The conversation covers the importance of cultural education, community engagement, and collaborative initiatives in perpetuating Native Hawaiian health traditions.

00:00 Welcome to the Moana Nui Podcast

01:10 Introduction of Kumu Keoki

03:01 Thought of the Day: Hawaiian Proverb

03:59 Personal Journey and Reflections

09:52 The Art of La'au Lapa'au

15:38 Historical Context and Family Legacy

22:04 Teaching at the University

22:54 Core Principles of Healing

27:57 Teaching Through Storytelling

38:14 The Journey to Hamakua

39:02 Mo'olelo

42:09 The Story of Maui Capturing the Sun

47:06 Sharing Knowledge of La'au lapa'au

48:31 Waimanalo Health Center Initiatives

50:49 Integrating Traditional and Modern Medicine

01:06:45 Challenges and Hopes for the Future

01:12:33 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

01:13:57 Closing Remarks and Reflections

01:14:33 Historical Reflections on Hawaii

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In today’s chat, we explore the delicate balance of setting boundaries while maintaining compassion. It’s all about sticking to your guns and recognizing when you’re letting too many chances slide.

We share real-life experiences and insights into how to communicate effectively and lay down those boundaries while still keeping the aloha spirit alive. Whether it’s family, friends, or even the workplace, learn how to manage relationships like a pro without losing your cool.

Keep listening, keep growing, and remember, we’re always here to connect with you – because we’re ʻohana. 

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May we get out of our own way, out of our head, and be more about action than talk in 2025.

This episode is all about shedding those old habits and excuses as we dive into a fresh year filled with boundless opportunities.

We're sharing our rituals and the mindset shifts that serve us well at the turn of the year. From creating vision boards to assigning a guiding word for personal growth, we're all about setting clear intentions and committing fully to our paths. It's easy to be creatures of comfort, but this year is about getting out of our own way, eliminating self-doubt, and prioritizing action over talk.

Join us for some insights, laughs, and a sprinkle of inspiration to kick off your year boldly. Let's make 2025 our best year yet!

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As the year comes to a close, it’s time to reflect and prepare for 2025 with a refreshed mindset. We’re talking about how we’re all drowning in information yet starving for wisdom—pretty deep, right? With social media and tech bombarding us with endless data, it’s easy to get lost. But, as we’ve discovered, true wisdom is about learning from life experiences, not just facts and figures.

This episode is all about finding that balance between knowledge and wisdom, understanding what truly matters, and not getting caught up in the endless swirl of information. Come along for the journey as we share personal stories, cultural insights, and the importance of embracing life’s lessons, just like our ancestors did.

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We explore the difficult yet freeing journey of breaking the cycle of people-pleasing. We all know how easy it is to fall into the trap of trying to make everyone happy except ourselves. It's time to stop giving people more chances to disappoint you and start being radically honest with yourself.

This episode unpacks the irony of life when you're a people pleaser, an unconditional lover, or a risk-taker. We're chatting about how these roles might lead to resentment and how they affect your relationships and peace of mind. We're here to help you set those much-needed boundaries and start putting yourself first.

Whether you're recovering from being a people pleaser or just looking to strengthen your sense of self, we're breaking it all down. Tune in for some real talk and share a few laughs with us. 

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