The Native Hawaiian Convention ʻAha ʻŌpio 2024
Date: September 17-September 19
Location: Hilton Waikoloa
The Native Hawaiian Convention 2024 was hosted by the Hilton Waikoloa from September 17 to September 19. This three-day event featured discussions and workshops on cultural perpetuation, housing, fashion, tourism, education, and self-determination. The youth segment, or the ʻAha ʻŌpio, of the Native Hawaiian Convention brought together various schools around the state dedicated to the future of Native Hawaiian Advancement. St. Joseph School was amongst the chosen schools to participate in the ʻAha ʻŌpio. Through the efforts of Poʻokumu Maile Kipapa, the students of St. Joseph School’s Hawaiian Studies program was able to participate in this prestigious event.
Day 1: Opening Ceremony and ‘Aha ‘Ōpio Activities
The segment kicked off with a powerful opening ceremony that included renowned kumu hula of Hawai’i island. There was a keynote speech from Aunty Pua Kanaka’ole , who emphasized the importance of cultural identity, genealogy, and the role our environment plays in understanding the origin of kanaka roots. She shared personal stories and encouraged kanaka youth to embrace their heritage while pursuing their passions.
Civics Panel
The evening ended with a youth civics panel where students were given the opportunity to speak on pertinent issues and victories they are seeing in their communities. The youth panel consisted of eight students from four different schools. Many of the panelists hold leadership roles in their student government or student organizations. The first question discussed amongst the panelists was centered around defining leadership, and how good leadership can be achieved. One student articulated the importance of civic engagement and encouraging attendance in community hearings to encourage decision making that will benefit Hawaiian communities.
The student moderator asked the final question of the evening, "If you were running for office, what two core values would drive your campaign?". Panelist members mentioned values such as: accountability, aloha, service and trustability. “Leadership should come naturally to those who had leadership qualities instilled in them. One should work hard to steward over them and put them into practice”, says Olga Lehua Arianoff, SJS sophomore of the ℅ 2026. “Being fair and responsible, makes a good leader, because it builds trust as a collective”, says Michaela Waiʻolu Costales, SJS junior ℅ 2025.
Day 2: Workshops and Fashion Show
The students were able to choose workshops, where they had the chance to connect with mentors, community leaders, and peers, creating valuable networks for collaboration and support. One of the workshops that Kumu Kipapa and Coach Mike attended included a 60-minute feature documentary film about five legendary Native Hawaiian kūpuna who are masters of their craft. These Hawai’i Island legends include Sonny Keakealani, Manny Veincent, Willy Kaupiko, Shirley Kauhaihao and Keoni Turalde representing paniolo, lawai’a, po’e ulana, pahu carvers and hoe wa’a. Through their stories of resilience, we are reminded of what truly matters – identity, ‘ohana, and aloha ‘āina. “This was an amazing project. The message hit home with me, because one day we will not have these kupuna; It is important for us to raise successors of our crafts and gifts, and I hope more people are able to see this documentary,” says Coach Mike Costales, SJS Athletic Director.
The evening ended with a special fashion show that featured three Hawaiʻi island natives who are powerhouse designers in the fashion industry of Hawaii. The designers included, Kūhaʻo Zane of Sig Zane Designs, Manaola Yap of Manaola Designs, and Aloha Victor of Kauluaʻe. Our students dressed there best and truly enjoyed the magnificent show.
Day 3: Mahalo nui, e Ko Waikoloa
The youth segment concluded with a call to action, encouraging participants to take their learnings back to their communities and continue the journey of cultural empowerment. The energy and enthusiasm were palpable, leaving everyone inspired to make a positive impact.
Before embarking on the drive back home, St. Joseph School students visited Puʻukoholā Heritage Center to honor our great leader, King Kamehameha Paiʻea. Students experienced the rich history of Kamehamehaʻs accomplishments as a leader and the path he paved for the generations to come.
Students concluded their visit by offering a hula and an oli as a gift of gratitude to Kamehameha and the ʻāina of Kawaihae and Waikoloa for hosting us so warmly. What made the visit to Puʻukoholā even more memorable was being able to meet an alumni of St. Joseph School ℅ ʻ82, Leanne, who greeted us warmly and offered words of encouragement to our youth to continue in this pursuit of cultural identity and perpetuation.
As we move forward, the voices of our youth will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Native Hawaiian culture. Mahalo to everyone who participated and contributed to this uplifting experience! We would especially like to thank the Council of Native Hawaiian Advancement for allowing us to experience this yearʻs convention. We would also like to give a special thanks to our sponsors, Duane Nathaniel and Ivan Lui-Kwan for making this event a possibility for St. Joseph School. A big mahalo to the Dolan-Costales ʻohana as well for providing the ʻono food.
Eō Nā Manuʻula! Go Cardinals!