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Connection between the Maori haka and the Hawaiian ha’a

Hawaiʻi Public Radio | By Russell Subiono
Published April 13, 2022 at 5:36 PM HST
Kai Markell
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The Celebration of the Arts, one of Hawaiʻi’s longest-running arts and cultural festivals, will celebrate a milestone this weekend on Maui. It’s the 30th year for the event that celebrates the spirit of aloha through dozens of the state’s top artisans, educators, cultural practitioners and entertainers.

One of the many sessions is a discussion on the Maori haka and the Hawaiian ha’a. The Conversation spoke with Leilani Roulet-Whaitiri and Ke’eaumoku Kapu about the differences and similarities between the haka and the haʻa. They will be part of a panel discussion on Friday, April 15 at 12:45 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton Maui.

Leilani Roulet-Whaitiri, left, and Ke'eaumoku Kapu, right
Leilani Roulet-Whaitiri/Ke'eaumoku Kapu/Facebook
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Leilani Roulet-Whaitiri, left, and Ke'eaumoku Kapu, right

This interview aired on The Conversation on April 13, 2022. The Conversation airs weekdays at 11 a.m. on HPR-1.
The Conversation
Russell Subiono
Born in Honolulu and raised on Hawaiʻi Island, Russell Subiono has spent the last decade working in local film, television and radio. He was previously the executive producer of The Conversation and host of HPR's This Is Our Hawaiʻi podcast. Contact him at rsubiono@hawaiipublicradio.org.
See stories by Russell Subiono
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