May 1, 2022, Lei Day In Hawai`i, was also a beautiful day in Washington, D.C. The sun was shining and the air was fresh and crisp. It was a great day to share Aloha.
As E Ala E had done for both American and George Washington Universities, we also made a donation to Georgetown University to kōkua with their Annual Lū`au. Their on-campus venue was breathtaking! One wall was completely glass that led to an outdoor patio; the other, lined floor-to-ceiling with mini Schefflera plants. In the middle of the huge room were two fireplaces, again, floor-to-ceiling, that separated the kau kau tables and the stage/seating area. The sun-splashed through the tall, glass windows spilling over tables ornamented by Hawaiian tapa cloth, fresh torch ginger, and birds of paradise flowers.
Over 200 guests attended this event, many wearing colorful, aloha shirts, and mu`umu`u. The room filled with joy and laughter as guests mingled after not having seen each other for such a long time. All our senses piqued as the room filled with oli (chant), `oli (joy), ono kau kau (delicious food), hula, and games! Thanks to the many donations, Georgetown was able to really put on a show! VIPS were adorned with fresh orchid lei, everyone had gift bags of mac nuts, candies, and Aloha Shoyu packets, and game prizes were local treats from “back home!” Aloha Crew came through with broke-da-mout (delicious!) food and exceptional service! We played Kahoot and Gimme! Gimme! One of the hysterical moments was when the hostess said, “Gimme Ty,” Ty, being a co-president of their Hawai`i Club. Ty ran all over the room until he was finally tackled and completely out of breath!
I, personally, was touched and amazed by the lū`au organizers, Ty Williams and Anela Ramos, co-presidents of the Hawai`i Club. They paid particular attention to honoring the Hawaiian culture by educating guests about May Day in Hawai`i, and honoring their event with Hawaiian protocol (Oli Aloha, Oli Mahalo, Doxology, Hawai`i Pono`ī, and Hawai`i Aloha). The haumana (students) performed several beautiful and fun hula. And just when we thought the lū`au was pau (finished), the haumana took to the stage to share the last hula, E Ala E, which was symbolic because it not only translates to “arise, waken” as a tribute to all the guests, but it was the Hawai`i Club’s expression of mahalo (thank you) to E Ala E Hawaiian Cultural Center.
Even though we live almost 5,000 miles from our Hawai`i, it was a perfect way to celebrate May Day! Mahalo piha, Georgetown, for perpetuating, preserving, and honoring the Hawaiian culture here in the Washington, D.C. area!
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