Hawaiian culture showcased in workshops, panels, presentations, music during Merrie Monarch week

Throughout Hawaiian history, women have played important and impactful roles as leaders, professionals, mothers, sisters, advisors, artists and writers; however, the role that women have played as warriors and political strategists is often overlooked.

For kumu lua Michelle Manu, it has become her kuleana (responsibility) to nurture a new generation of warriors while honoring the illustrious history of the women warriors.

On Friday, Manu, who is considered one of the leading experts on the Hawaiian art of Lua martial arts), and kumu Kekuhi Kealiʻikanakaʻole will host a presentation, “Wāhine Warriors and Priestesses: Manipulating Mana.”

The duo’s presentation is part of the 2026 ʻIkena ʻImiloa, a four-day opportunity for Native Hawaiian cultural enrichment that runs during the Merrie Monarch Festival at the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center.

“This is our way of offering another connection to the festival’s mission,” said Kaʻiu Kimura, executive director of the astronomy center. “It’s a celebration of hula, ʻōlelo and other traditions that are centered around ʻike kūpuna. For four days, ʻImiloa becomes a place to connect through workshops, panel discussions and an ʻike-centered marketplace.”

During the Friday presentation, Manu will discuss how to use Lua to awaken the inner warrior within wāhine and how to use ʻike kūpuna (ancestral wisdom) to navigate energetic, physical and practical life challenges. And Kealiʻikanakaʻole will present ʻoli (Hawaiian chant) as living technology that is a conduit of mana and story.

“Lua, for me, is also about opening up all of this history that we are not taught and healing our generational trauma,” Manu said. “But, these teachings are all woven together. ʻOli, hula, haʻa, lua, lualomi and pohīhīhī. Voice, touch, stillness, combat, and healing.”

Here are the other events taking place at the astronomy center during Merrie Monarch week.

Wednesday

10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Hawaiian artist Lehua Hauaniʻo will start ʻIkena ʻImiloa by sharing her familial artistry and expertise in indigenous foliage and lei techniques during a lei wili workshop. Attendees will learn best practices for gathering and preparing foliage while slowing down, connecting with the materials, and honoring the beauty and meaning of lei as a symbol of aloha, celebration and connection.

12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.: A panel discussion with small business creators from Pohai Studios, Teanri Designs and Ka Lei Pupu Niʻihau will explore how creativity can be a vessel of ʻike and how ʻike kūpuna continues to shape modern expression.

2 p.m. to 4 p.m.: A beginner-friendly ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi workshop will close the day with a chance to learn the language through simple conversation and cultural activities.

Thursday

10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Katia Worley of Pohai Studios will host a hands-on, make-and-take workshop that introduces participants to printmaking techniques inspired by Hawaiʻi’s natural forms and motifs.

12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo professors Kumu Kalena Silva, Kumu Lāle Kimura and Kumu Kekoʻa Harman will host a panel discussion to reflect about Merrie Monarch’s enduring role as a catalyst for cultural resurgence and how its impact continues to shape contemporary practice.

Friday

10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Native Hawaiian artist Kekaī Kahokuʻualani Daunhauer will host an immersive workshop that teaches participants about kapa and its cultural significance, history and traditional uses. Attendees will experience creating colors using plants and pigments mixed with ʻulu or resin to create a small art piece to take home.

12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.; and 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Through the lens of hula, Hawaiian Lua teachings, and ancestral philosophy, Manu and Kealiʻikanakaʻole will explore how ancient ʻike systems inform modern wellness, self-protection and longevity.

2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Four-time Grammy Award-winning Hawaiian music artist Kalani Peʻa will give a “behind the music” performance to share the beauty of Hawaiʻi as it comes alive through his mele and moʻolelo, and the graceful movement of hula dancers.

Wednesday to Saturday

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Vendors will be at the ʻIkena ʻImiloa Mākeke (Marketplace).

A few events are at full capacity and sold out. They include:

• Lei Wili: Traditional and Modern Techniques workshop on Wednesday
• Hawaiian Printing and Design Techniques workshop on Thursday
• Cultural Renaissance in Motion: Merrie Monarch’s Enduring Influence on ʻŌlelo, Mele and Hula panel discussion on Thursday
• Wāhine Warriors and Priestesses: Manipulating Mana presentation on Friday
• Behind the Mele: Kalani Peʻa live performance on Friday

As of Tuesday afternoon, there are still spots open for the following events:

• Vessels of ʻIke: How ʻike Kūpuna Inspires Creativity and Expression Today panel discussion on Wednesday
• E ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Kākou: Introductory to Hawaiian Language workshop on Wednesday
• Hawaiian Plant Dyes workshop on Friday

For the full schedule and more information on ʻIkena ʻImiloa, visit the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center website.