The new cultural center at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, Ke Kumu O Hihinui, welcomes guests, residents and colleagues to gather, grow knowledge of, and deepen their connection to Hawaiian culture.
The resort offers weekly, hands-on classes in hula, ukulele, and the making of flower lei, kukui nut bracelets, pua hulu (feather flower), and more. The resort’s Manager of Hawaiian Culture, Moani Tolentino, states “This is a place where everyone can come together to learn through ma ka hana ka ike (hands on experiences), but also a place where they become teachers too by sharing their mana`o (ideas) and aloha with others.”
Moani’s kumu (teachers) include the resort’s first Manager of Hawaiian Culture, Aunty Stella Burgess, whose photograph proudly graces the Center. Sandi Quinsaat, a resort charter member, continued Stella’s legacy of perpetuating Hawaiian culture before retiring in 2020. She returned for the blessing, stating, “We know Aunty Stella would be proud of Moani’s growth as a leader as well as how she is moving the program into the future.”
More information here.
