Windward Community College announced its latest academic offering, Ka‘ohekani, an immersive, accelerated and cohort-based one-year online certificate in Hawaiian music.
The groundbreaking series of eight-week online classes taught by Kamuela Kimokeo (music) and Kawaikapuokalani Frank Hewett (Hawaiian language, hula) seek to give participants a deeper understanding of the connection and balance between Hawaiian music and hula.
Kimokeo is director of the Hawai‘i Music Institute at Windward CC, where he teaches ‘ukulele and slack key guitar. He also performs with Jerry Santos and the group Hi‘ikua. Hewett is a legendary kumu hula, songwriter and recently served as a judge in the annual Merrie Monarch Festival hula competition.
“The Ka‘ohekani Hawaiian music online certificate is beneficial to those who play Hawaiian music, hula dancers, and those who just enjoy Hawaiian music and hula,” Kimokeo said in a release. “The program not only provides balance in Hawaiian music knowledge but creates understanding, synergy and appreciation for their relationships to one another.
“For those who have moved away from their homes in Hawai‘i, it is an opportunity for them to stay connected to their culture, histories and communities through music. The freedom of this program allows students to continue to work at their jobs, live in different time zones, and care for family obligations, while taking college courses that are not only informative but enriching.”
Windward Oahu high school students enrolling at Windward CC are also eligible to apply for the Ho‘olei Scholarship, which provides the equivalent of half-tuition for the first year of classes. Windward CC is offering the scholarship to all 2021 graduates of public and charter schools in Windward Oahu. Email hoolei@hawaii.edu for more details.
In addition, Native Hawaiian participants in the program who are living on the mainland may be eligible for in-state tuition.
Want to learn more about the certificate? Kimokeo and Hewett will host an online talk story session about Ka‘ohekani at 3 p.m. Friday, July 9. Sign up here.
