Mahalo nui loa to our wonderful sponsors!

36th SHA Conference, October 18-20, 2024

Schedule Overview

Friday, October 18, 2024, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Huaka‘i (additional information below) 

register here: https://cbo.io/shaconference2024/huakai

• Kealakaʻihonua Heiau at Kapoho, led by Kumu Kaponoʻai Molitau and Hanona
  
• Pā Kaʻoao, summit of Haleakalā, led by Rachel Hodara-Nelson 

Friday, October 18, 2024, 5:00 - 8:00 pm: Welcome Reception and Keynote, Hale Hō‘ike‘ike Museum, Wailuku (complimentary pupu, beer, and wine)

Saturday, October 19, 2024, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm: Papers and Presentations, Annual SHA Membership Meeting, University of Hawai‘i Maui College, Kahului (continental breakfast, coffee service, and lunch included)

Saturday, October 19. 2024, 6:00 - 9:00 pm: ‘Aha ‘Āina, Awards Presentations, and Silent Auction, Fuego's at Maui Lani (dinner provided, cash bar)

Sunday, October 20, 2024, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm: Papers and Presentations, University of Hawai‘i Maui College, Kahului (continental breakfast, coffee service, and lunch included)

Huakaʻi Information

Huakaʻi 1: Kealakaʻihonua Heiau with Kumu Kaponoʻai Molitau and Hanona

Join Kumu Kaponoʻai Molitau and Hanona at Kealakaʻihonua Heiau at Kapoho to learn about their vision for this space and mission to “to elevate Native Hawaiian wisdom and intellect by providing cultural learning opportunities for our communities within the four pillars of Hawaiian learning: Kahuna Nui , Ho‘omanamana Ka Pule , Ka Mauli Ola, and Hūnā Noʻeau.” 

At Kapoho, Hanona oversees the HOʻOKŌ NAʻAUAO, a project funded through a grant from the Native Hawaiian Education Program (NHEP). Through this project, Hanona has implemented a five cohort educational program involving Kahuna Kakalaleo, Uhau Humu Pōhaku, Hulikoehana, Kahu Mālama ʻĀina, and Kūkulu Kauhale to preserve and protect Kealakaʻihonua heiau located at Kapoho, on the border of Waiehu and Waiheʻe. 

Hanona’s project goal is to train Maui’s next generation of Native Hawaiian Practitioners. Learn more about Hanona at HANONA (hanonamaui.org)

It can be very windy with cloudless skies at Kapoho. Wear sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. We will be meeting at 1:00 pm at the entry gate to Waiheʻe Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge that is currently owned and managed by the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust (HILT).

Huakaʻi 2: The summit at Haleakalā National Park

Join Rachel Hodara Nelson, Archaeologist and Cultural Resource Program Manager for Haleakalā National Park for a huakaʻi to Pā Kaʻoao, the puʻu next to the Haleakalā Visitorʻs Center at the Summit. The hike up and down the puʻu will be a short 0.4 mile round trip hike with 100 feet elevation change. The sites include over 100 small pā or shelters dating to the 17th century and are associated with a chief called Kaʻoao (also noted as Kaʻaoʻao according to some sources). 

The elevation at Pā Kaʻoao is 9862 ft. amsl. We will be meeting at 1:00 pm at the summit visitor’s center, there is a per vehicle entry fee of $30.  It can be very windy at the summit and may be a bit brisk. Wear sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and light jacket just in case! Make sure to have plenty of water as well. Visit Haleakalā National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) to learn about the park and their mission.

About the Conference

This year's conference theme is ha‘alele koa wa‘a i koa kanaka. 

The koa canoe has departed leaving the warriors behind. Said when a canoe goes off and leaves the people behind, either in the water or on land. 

What kind of warriors are we leaving behind? Are we equipping community? The next generation of archaeologists? Once our waʻa leaves, what resources will we have left behind for our communities and the future of our discipline? 

The Maui Wildfire of August 8, 2023 and the needs following this tragedy have challenged the capacity of our historic preservation resources. Now more than ever, it is important to look toward the future of archaeology in Hawaiʻi with a call to action to encourage, prepare, and equip the next generation of archaeologists and community in all aspects of the work that we do.  

About the Society for Hawaiian Archaeology

The Society for Hawaiian Archaeology was established in 1980 to:

• Promote and stimulate interest and research in the archaeology of the Hawaiian Islands
• Encourage a more rational public appreciation of the aims and limitations of archaeological research
• Serve as a bond among those interested in Hawaiian archaeology, both professionals and non-professionals, and aid in directing their efforts into more scientific channels as well as encourage the publication of their results
• Advocate and assist in the conservation of archaeological data
• Discourage unethical commercialism in the archaeological field and work for its elimination.

 SHA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.