Island Pacific Academy’s 17th annual Lā Mei Celebration on Friday, April 26, was a poignant blend of nostalgia and celebration, as the theme He Haliʻa Aloha, or Fond Memories, encapsulated the event’s essence. This year held special significance as it marked the final celebration organized by Kumu Momi Kuahiwinui, IPA Kindergarten teacher, who has dedicated herself over the years to orchestrating this cherished annual IPA tradition. It was an especially emotional May Day celebration as IPA students, alumni, faculty, staff, and families gathered to honor her dedication and legacy.
The event was a journey through the archives of past May Day celebrations, featuring selected mele and hula that had graced the stage in years gone by. From the majestic tribute to Hawaiʻi’s kings and queens in Hanohano Na Aliʻi Hawaiʻi to the poignant reflections on treasured values of Hawaiʻi in Nā Mea Waiwai, each performance resonated with the spirit of aloha and the rich cultural heritage embraced at IPA.
Throughout the years, the May Day celebrations have served not only as showcases of Hawaiian music and dance but also as platforms for teaching and sharing Hawaiian themes and values. From honoring women and men composers (Na Haku Mele Wahine and Na Haku Mele Kāne), to emphasizing the importance of caring for Hawaiʻi (Mālama Hawaiʻi) and cherishing our kūpuna (Nā Hulu Kūpuna) each theme has served as an expression of our school’s core values and the spirit of aloha in the hearts of our students and the broader IPA ʻohana.
This year, the students were encouraged to delve into their own memories, both at school and at home, reflecting on the fond moments shared with loved ones. It was a poignant reminder of the importance of cherishing every moment. Throughout the program, each mele and hula was not just a celebration of the past, but a testament to the enduring bonds and memories forged within our IPA community.
As a special tribute to an enduring legacy of IPA’s traditions, four alumni, each having previously graced the stage as May Day queens, returned to IPA to join hands with this year’s Lā Mei Queen, Kiana Vasilash ‘24. Marissa Tanaka ‘14, Megan Bobilin ‘17, Preeya Prasad ‘21 and Kamaile Ah Tou ‘22, all enhanced the event’s significance. With hearts full of nostalgia, they danced a special hula together, weaving their past experiences with the present moment. They also paid tribute to Kumu Momi, an inspirational mentor to countless students over the years, who has left an indelible mark on IPA’s history. As they danced, their aloha bridged the years, uniting past and present in a beautiful tapestry of memories.
Following the performances, there were heartfelt tributes to Kumu Momi. Ms. Tiny, Ms. Rebecca, and Ms. Starr, the other three teachers in the Kindergarten quad, honored her with the beautiful Mahalo Oli, expressing gratitude for her years of dedication and leadership. Additionally, her daughter, Makana, and IPA alumna, Alyssa Chuberko ‘12, danced a special hula in her honor, as a heartfelt testament to their love and respect for her.
Culminating the celebration, Head of School Gerald Teramae shared his gratitude for Kumu Momi and presented her with a small, wooden Polynesian voyaging canoe replica, symbolizing her IPA journey – everyone together, in one wa’a, along a shared educational journey – and her lasting IPA legacy. A pae aku.
2024 Island Pacific Academy Lā Mei Court
Hawaiʻi
Prince: Pierce Smallwood ‘24
Princess: Sujung Cua ‘24
Kahili Bearer: Sarah Onaga ‘25
Niʻihau
Prince: Rohan Lind ‘24
Princess: Madeleine Arvman ‘25
Kahili Bearer: Ava McCoskey ‘25
Maui
Prince: Wakefield Wonacott ‘28
Princess: Lilyana Olavarria ‘28
Kahili Bearer: Asher Nihipali ‘29
Kauaʻi
Prince: Christian Willoughby ‘30
Princess: Carina Pupillo ‘29
Kahili Bearer: Aiden O’Beirne ‘30
Kahoʻolawe
Prince: Noah McMann ‘31
Princess: Harper Fajardo ‘31
Kahili Bearer: Lilly Richardson ‘31
Oʻahu
Prince: Kennedy Oshiro ‘30
Princess: Arley Kahawai ‘30
Kahili Bearer: Kainalu Meacham ‘30
Lanaʻi
Prince: Ronan Aragon ‘27
Princess: Caira Soueira ‘26
Kahili Bearer: Morocco White ‘28
Molokaʻi
Prince: Yurijah Yurong ‘27
Princess: Adelynne Banquil ‘27
Kahili Bearer: Kai Yasuna ‘27
Queen’s Attendants
Madison Murakami ‘24
Asia Nihipali ‘27
King’s Attendants
Jett Taaca ‘24
Kainoa Souriolle ‘28
Mōʻī Kāne
Makai’o Nihipali-Sanchez ‘24
Mōʻī Wahine
Kiana Vasilash ‘24
Pū Kani
Connor Koyano ‘25
Kaleb Sarmiento ‘25
Kaniala Coats ‘28
Wakoake’a NihipaliDay ‘28
Max Orem ‘28
Hoʻokupu
Tarrah Smalley ‘36
Preston Chow ‘36
