Past Events
Local Elementary School Partners with UMEKE to Provide Cultural-Based Music Education
September 5, 2022
In an exciting community partnership with Oceanside's MacAuliffe Elementary School, UMEKE will be engaging with local cultural practitioners to provide choral music education accompanied by hula and ʻukulele, funded by Chorus America's Music Education Grant. This project identifies the significant Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (NHPI) population in the Oceanside area and aims to foster NHPI identity and cross-cultural learning to create equity across all populations.
Educational Lecture at Lifestyle Brand and Footwear Company, Olukai
September 16, 2022
We were so pleased to be invited to share knowledge about Hawaiian culture to the employees at the popular, lifestyle brand Olukai. As a company that prides itself on honoring those that preserve and celebrate Hawaiian culture through its Ama Olukai Foundation 501(c)(3), it was a pleasure to give an educational lecture about Hawaiian culture, while connecting with like-minded folks that are committed to giving back to their communities. Mahalo nui Olukai for your support of UMEKE.
San Diego County Library, Fallbrook Branch
July 16, 2022
We were honored to present a history of hula and hands-on crafts for the San Diego County Library Fallbrook branch's Hawaiian Cultural Experience event. Mahalo to the Friends of the Fallbrook Library for sponsoring this event.
San Diego County Library, Vista Branch
October 18, 2022
What a wonderful time we had sharing hula performances and teaching lei-making with the guests of Vista Library. Mahalo to the Friends of the Vista Library for having us, we are unable to do work in the community without supporters like you!
Holiday Wreath Workshop
December 17, 2023
Mahalo to all that came out to kākoʻo our first holiday wreath workshop! This year, our instructor Tiffany Māhealani taught attendees the art of weaving lau niu (coconut frond), including a bit of history on coconut palms and its significance in Hawaiian culture. With an assortment of floral and fauna to add to the completed wreath, it was such fun to see the end result of each individualʻs creativity!
Lauhala Bracelet Workshop
March 3, 2024
Hana maikaʻi to all the students for making the lauhala weaving bracelet workshop a tremendous success! Your enthusiasm and creativity brought a wonderful energy to the workshop, and it was truly inspiring to see everyone’s unique creations come to life. We appreciate the dedication and skill of Aunty Kaleo, who guided us through the intricate art of lauhala weaving with such patience and expertise. Mahalo for being a part of this special experience and for perpetuating this beautiful Hawaiian tradition!
'Ukulele Workshop
May 18 - June 22, 2024
Students have been able to learn basic chords, strumming, and fundamentals to provide a foundation to play an array of mele (songs). We mahalo @sdapicoalition, California Department of Social Services and @apida_csusm for making this program possible and accessible to our community.
Tabletop Kāhili Workshop
August 11, 2024
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible instructor, Kumu Hulu Carol Wong, for sharing her ‘Ike and passion for this truly special Hawaiian tradition. Her guidance and patience brought a new appreciation for the art of hulu! Kumu Hulu Carol Makani Wong is an expert in the traditional craft of hulu (featherwork). A kāhili, a ceremonial standard made of feathers, symbolizes royalty and status and is used in religious and ceremonial contexts to signify the authority of aliʻi.