E HŌ MAI

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Kumu hula master and Hawaiian cultural and language expert, Edith K. Kanākaʻole (affectionately known as Aunty Edith), composed this oli (chant) for her hula troupe, Hālau 0 Kekuhi. The chant was originally performed by students at the beginning of class to request knowledge and wisdom from the ancestral deities to accomplish the task at hand.

Today, this oli is commonly used at the start of an event or small gathering to focus a groupʻs energies and ultimately carry out the kuleana (responsibility) they have undertaken. Haumana (students) use this chant to help them seek knowledge and clear their minds of any negativity.

The chant is sung in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiian language.

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Video example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qcTKHr3CuI&list=PLad26-tc1_7R_EF4YaUGt--v63O1QJwIW&index=2&ab_channel=PuuhonuaPuuhuluhulu