Kūhai Hālau O Kaponookalani Pa 'Olapa Kahiko

Ohana Dance Group has been involved in multiple outreach activities and efforts to correct misconceptions, dispel stereotypes and bring correct traditions to the community-at-large by weaving traditions, history and culture into teachings and performances. ODG outreach activities to youth stress the importance of ethnic pride, especially in Hawaiian and other minority groups. Family values are stressed with an emphasis on positive self-image and belief in oneself. Scholarships are provided to youth who are active in perpetuating the values of the Hawaiian culture. ODG strives to motivate students to continue their study of traditions, chants, and dances of Hawai'i. In this way youth are encouraged to become socially confident, leading to self-reliance, self-confidence and self-sufficiency.

Currently, the Hawaiian culture is a small community of people that either have a connection to the Hawaiian Islands or have found hula independently. We would like to expand the availability of Hawaiian culture to communities that are unable to afford the classes and/or workshops currently provided. It is important to expand the understanding of the Hawaiian culture as it represents an indigenous people often misconceptualized. We attempt to dispel the misconception through community performances and often have community members inquire about classes, only to be deferred by costs. The project would provide the communities with free opportunities to learn about the Hawaiian history and culture through dance and workshops not otherwise available to them. The advertisement would be shared at schools serving underserved children and libraries in underserved communities, to provide them opportunities to learn at no expense. We would like to serve as many community members in learning about the culture and history as possible. We serve all ages in expanding the understanding of the Hawaiian culture and give them an opportunity to share their learning through a free and low-cost community performances.