A Heartfelt Ho‘okipa: Welcoming Our Guests from Aotearoa
April 13, 2026
In the spirit of aloha and cultural connection, St. Joseph School was deeply honored to welcome our distinguished guests from Aotearoa during this year’s Merrie Monarch celebrations. Their visit marked a meaningful moment of unity between Native Hawaiian and Māori communities, grounded in shared values, traditions, and ʻike kūpuna.
A special hō‘okipa (traditional Hawaiian welcoming protocol) was held to receive our Māori brothers and sisters. The ceremony was both powerful and moving, as our Hawaiian Language students offered a beautiful oli hoʻokipa, formally inviting our guests into our school and community. In return, speeches and songs were exchanged, honoring the traditions of both cultures and reinforcing the deep ancestral ties that connect us across the Pacific.
Among our honored guests were Kura and Alishia Moeahu, respected tribal leaders from Wellington who play vital roles in the Hawaiki Atua Program. They were also recognized as honorary guests of the Merrie Monarch Festival, a testament to their leadership and commitment to cultural perpetuation. Joining them was Te Rae Ngaheke, a longstanding and influential figure within the Hawaiki Atua Program, whose dedication has helped shape its impact over the years. St. Joseph School has participated in the Hawaiki Atua program since 2016. Seniors Michaela Costales, Connor Faletoi and Jaselle Kamaka-Mauhili traveled to New Zealand this summer as student participants of the program.
The Hawaiki Atua Program was born from the visionary leadership of the late King Tuheitia, who sought to unite Indigenous Māori and Native Hawaiian communities in cultivating the next generation of leaders and advocates. His legacy continues to guide this important work, strengthening relationships and empowering youth across oceans.
St. Joseph School is especially proud of Kumu Kipapa, who serves as a core member of Hawaiki Atua. Alongside her advisor, Ivan Lui-Kwan—President of Hawaiki Atua and a trusted confidant to King Tuheitia—they continue to carry forward this mission of cultural exchange, leadership development, and ʻike kupuna.
In celebration of Merrie Monarch, our guests immersed themselves in the festival’s rich traditions while also spending meaningful time on our campus. Their presence was a gift, reminding us of the strength found in unity, shared heritage, and the continued practice of our cultural traditions.
We extend our deepest mahalo to our guests from Aotearoa for visiting St. Joseph School. May the bonds we continue to build serve as a foundation for future generations of leaders, grounded in culture, identity, and aloha.
Go Cardinals!