Talk Story Series
Fairmont Kea Lani’s Hoʻomaka Hou Transformation marks a new beginning, a time to get back to our roots and honor those who came before us as we work to shape our future. As we continue on this journey, we look to the history, traditions, and culture of Hawaiʻi to guide us in the evolution of Fairmont Kea Lani. Led by cultural advisor Kapono Kamaunu, our Talk Story Series draws connections between the ancient Hawaiian practices that have inspired our transformation.
Kāpala
Kāpala means to stamp, to print. The art of ‘Ohe Kāpala is to use pieces of bamboo with designs and symbols carved into them and then pressed onto material to mark symbols. With these symbols we tell stories, of who we are, where we are, what is important to us. By carving these symbols into the bamboo, using ink to press these designs into our fabrics and our clothing, we personalize them, not just telling those around us who we are, but reminding ourselves as well.
Hina’i Master
In ancient times, Hinaʻi, or basket fish trap, were one of the most reliable ways to catch fish. The rock at the bottom weighs it down and the opening allows certain-sized fish to enter but not escape. The hinaʻi shows us the skills of the fisherman as a gatherer, a weaver, as one who has a relationship with the ocean, the reef, the fish. Seeing a hinaʻi, seeing that shape, reminds us of those values of patient observation, the search for deeper wisdom, of the importance of relationships and of time well spent.
The ahupuaʻa of Palauea, the area upon which Fairmont Kea Lani rests, was best known for its bountiful fishing grounds. Elements of our transformed suites were inspired by hinaʻi and other cultural traditions of the area.
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