Hau`oli Makahiki Hou!
2021 marks the 6th year anniversary of Studio HA`A here on Kukui Street o Kaua`i. When we were kids growing up in Kapa`a Town, this very property was the location of the old Mom& Pop Ozaki Store. We came here for ice cream, candy, homemade pastries, comics, crossword puzzles and more. It remains a cherished memory in our hearts today!
Studio HA`A was established as the home base of Halau Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai to support the vision and mission of perpetuating a generations-old legacy of traditional hula practices. Customary values and symbols with deep meaning are very important to us.
To transition into the New Year, we wanted to honor the memory and ancestors of the Ozaki and Matayoshi `ohana by embracing the Japanese tradition of Shimekazari.
Shimekazari are traditional decorations that are hung above and at the entryway of residences, businesses and significant structure sites as part of annual New Year observances. It marks the border to pure space where the divine can descend to prevent negative energy and spirits from entering. It is a sacred symbol for protection by the Toshigami sama, bringing abundance, happiness and health to the family, household and businesses at the New Year.
The traditional New Year decoration is usually made of shimenawa, a blessed straw rope, and other materials such as bitter oranges, ferns and red, gold and white ritual folding paper strips called, "shide".
We have a very similar tradition that we call Ho`okupu Pale that reflect the same goals as the Shimekazari. Following the Christmas holiday, we traveled up to the upland Hawaiian forests to gather and assemble native plant materials that carry the same or very similar representations. Many of the plants revered in our practices of traditional hula include ti leaves, and various kinolau of ferns and greenery. In addition, pine and pine cones, budding sprigs of ume and momo (plum and peach) are used. Blessed with pule and pikai, these cultural symbols respectively represent spiritual protection, longevity, prosperity and steadfastness.
Join us for Hawaiian cultural programs and unique learning experiences! Scroll down to see what's in store for this brand new year!
Hawaiian Culture Courses & Subscription Programs
NO`EAU
A Creative Makers Arts Subscription Experience!
We're super excited to announce details for the launching of our first Culture to Canvas monthly subscription box! Message, call or email us to be put on to our waitlist now!
Join us as a founding member to secure one of our very first limited edition No`eau subscription boxes. All new members will receive a welcome gift of curated amenities in addition to your subscription box.
Each box will feature a themed painting and art project that is guided by stories, places and more that highlight extraordinary themes of Hawai`i. Step-by-step instructions, printed materials to guide your creative makers experience, and an invitation to a private Facebook LIVE event. If you are unable to join the live, you will still have 24/7 access to a recorded video tutorial to complete your project at your leisure! Absolutely no painting experience is necessary.
Email to register for the No`eau Creative Makers Arts Subscription Box.
February 2 to February 23
MELE PANA: CHANTS FOR KAUA`I'S STORIED PLACES
Designed for anyone with an interest to learn and obtain a deeper connection to Kaua`i. With or without experience, all are welcome to be a part of this virtual class that will include vocal exercises and techniques, chant styles, history and significance of sacred and storied places of Kaua`i. Early Registration for discounted tuition available now through January 4, 2021. Registration deadline is December 31st.
March 9 to April 27
KUPU OLA 2021 - MODULE I:
A fascinating learning experience of ancient Hawaiian cultural practices and protocols. Utilizing Ho`omahiehie's Epic Tale of Hi`iakaikapoliopele in both Hawaiian and English texts, learners will embark on this 8-week Journey with the Goddess through a study of mele (chants) and mo`olelo (stories). Early registration for discounted tuition available now through January 20. Registration deadline is February 3rd. This is a year-long study journey, held in 8-week modules held each quarter.
KEIKI MEMBERSHIP for 12yrs & Under
$20 monthly membership includes anyone in your household who wants to join in too! Membership includes:
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Step-by-step Tutorial
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New painting each month
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Access to lessons for the duration of your membership with 24/7 access
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Supply List (Does not include materials)
`OPIO & ADULT MEMBERSHIP for 13yrs & Up
$25 monthly membership includes anyone in your household who wants to join in too! Membership includes:
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Step-by-step Tutorial
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New painting each month
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Access to lessons for the duration of your membership with 24/7 access
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Supply List (Does not include materials)
Let us help you FUNDRAISE for your cause or organization! Contact us for details at (808) 346-7575 or by emailing to
Saturday, January 29
WAHINEPO`AIMOKU:
A Chant & Paint Webinar for `Aha Wahinekuhinapapa
We are deeply honored to present this special Culture to Canvas virtual event, inspired by the heroine and akua wahine, Hi`iakaikapoliopele, and the boundless experiences of her life's journey. At the forefront of this epic saga, is the task given to Hi`iaka to travel to Kaua`i to fetch Lohi`au, the Hā`ena chief, and dream lover of Pele.
This youngest and favorite sister of the fire and volcano goddess, is the healer of the Pele clan. She is attributed as the deity that follows in the footsteps of Pele, who is responsible for creating new lands. Hi`iaka's role is to bring life to the land and to manifest growth and abundance. She enables for the germination of seeds and spores to bring forth the sprouting `ōhi`a lehua and ferns in the cracks of vast lava fields. She not only brings life to the landscape, but inspires health, healing and wellness amongst families and the people.
Participants will be guided through fun, creative and meaningful processes that draw upon the poetry and imagery from within the mo`olelo. They will also learn a chant as a means to tap into their respective connections with `āina, `ohana and kuleana.
Advance registration by invitation required through www.ahawahine.org. Includes all materials, supplies, printed materials and instruction. Deadline to register: January 23.
February 11 - Thursday
5p to 7p - FB LIVE on our Culture to Canvas Page!
Honoring the Lunar Year of the Ox
Ma Lien & the Magic Paintbrush
Register now for this FREE Culture to Canvas Virtual event for `OHANA, in celebration of the Chinese Lunar Year! Learn about this cultural tradition perpetuated in Hawai`i today and enjoy the Chinese children's story, Ma Lien and the Magic Paintbrush. Then paint along with our resident kumu and artist, Kehaulani Kekua who will guide your family step by step through the entire creative process!
Upon registration for this online painting event, we will provide you with a supply list of materials that you will need. Supplies available locally. Complete art kits, as well as, acrylic paints, canvases and paint brushes are also available at Studio HA`A.
Click here to register for this `Ohana Virtual Event!
Click here to order Art Kits & Supplies
Inspire Your Friends & Family with Gifts of Art!!!
We have a limited selection of Culture to Canvas Art Kits that make perfect gifts! Holidays, birthdays, girls or boys night out, family celebrations, baby and bridal showers, and more, just add water to your rinse cup and start painting away! Kits include a pre-sketched, stretched canvas on frame, paint brushes, napkins, rinse cup, acrylic paints and a post card photo and basic pointers to guide you. These are perfect for virtual celebrations too!
Click on the links below for Art Kit options.
Culture to Canvas offers an array of fun and inspiring art and paint events! From keiki to adults, we teach step-by-step Paint Parties, no experience necessary. Private parties and events can be held for a minimum of 6 people and up. Due to Covid19, in-Studio events are currently limited with CDC, as well as, local County of Kaua`i requirements. However! We now offer VIRTUAL ART & PAINT PARTIES that you can host and enjoy with family, friends and co-workers from multiple locations near and far!
C2C ART & PAINT KITS are available for local pick up at Studio HA`A in Kapa`a, Kaua`i. We also offer shipping nationwide as well. Click tabs above for details and information!
Your donation and contribution is greatly appreciated to assist us in providing scholarship support to keiki, `ohana and kupuna in need. Please contact us at if you would like to sponsor any of our programs. Mahalo nui for your aloha and support!
Lehua Moewai Copyright Photo by Nate Yuen
A traditional hula school established on Kaua`i in 1945 by the late hula master, Helen Kaipuwai Kekua Waiau
4558 Kukui Street Kapa`a, Kaua`i, HI 96746
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T: 808.346.7575
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IG: @studioHAA
Conveniently located .25 mile from the Kapa`a
Bypass Roundabout, Skatepark & Athletic Complex
© 2017 by the Kaipuwai Foundation
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