Page 3 - MidWeek Windward - Dec 22, 2021

A Hawaiian Winter Wonderland At Lōkahi Kailua Market
Lōkahi Kailua Market and Rollerskate O‘ahu hosted its Winter Wonderland events Dec. 4 and 18 at 340 Uluniu St., featuring a holiday craft fair, food, live DJ, glow- in-the-dark rollerskating rink and holiday-themed photo booth. Pictured are (clockwise, from top center) Michelle Horton and Justin Day; Kristine Hall; Cooper Mue, Zachary and Jacob Scherman, Koa Medeiros and Maya Horton; and Alyssa Pendarvis and Miki Shiga Hajek. PHOTOS COURTESY LŌKAHI KAILUA MARKET
Store Showcases Polynesian Culture And Products
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DECEMBER 22, 2021 3
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and our Polynesian cul- ture are gifts to the world,’ showcasing not only prod- ucts, but also the talents of our Polynesian people.”
ing workshops, awa nights and engaging in commu- nity activities throughout the island representing our diverse Polynesian commu- nity.”
couldn’t do expos or craft fairs, so this space allows them to at least make some- thing during this down time as the world adjusts to our new normal.”
and plans. Now it is the fuel that keeps me moving for- ward; to bring to life what we envisioned and to make my father proud.”
Seleni explains that she receives feedback from ka- ma‘āina and tourists alike that customers love the feel of the store and the fact that it’s locally owned and fea- tures locally made items by Polynesians.
During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Sele- ni has adapted her business strategy as more local shop- pers have frequented the marketplace.
The business owner takes an extra sense of pride when running the budding opera- tion as she is aware that her family’s rich cultural heri- tage is being perpetuated.
For more information and updates, follow @cultur- alconnectionspacifika and @kapakava on Instagram. Stay tuned as well for a website that is currently in the works, and is expected to roll out in January.
“We will be working with smaller tour groups and creating smaller workshops and experiences, like kava tastings, so visitors can ex- perience another side of our culture,” Seleni says. “In addition to handmade prod- ucts made in the islands, in 2022 we will be incorporat-
“COVID has affected ev- eryone, but as small busi- ness owners, it has kept tourists at bay, which is why we are hoping to ap- peal to locals by offering one-of-a-kind products and experiences that tourists and kama‘āina will appreci- ate,” Seleni says. “We are a very ‘grassroots’ operation right now and most vendors
“My great-grandmother Rose Joshua and grand- mother Blossom Kunewa are celebrated kumu hula, and my dad, Malo Seleni Sr., was a world renowned and pioneer of the Samoan fire knife dance, whom I lost to COVID-19 in Octo- ber,” Seleni says. “I’ m just glad my dad got to see the store. We had so many ideas
“We will be taking ad- vantage of social media and building an e-commerce platform,” Seleni explains, “which will allow us to showcase more vendors, ar- tisans and practitioners that our physical location can’t accommodate.”
Call 808-773-7555 for more information.
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