In December 2019, Kihei Community Center was the host of the annual “Nā Kūpuna Dinner” held by the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association. The event is dedicated to the senior citizens of our community and is a way of thanking them for a life of hard work. We were there too, to honor them and create beautiful memories.
The kapuna tradition
A kapuna isn’t just somebody who gets old. A kapuna is considered to have life experience and resilience and be completely dedicated to family. In the Hawaiian tradition, the boundaries between life and death leave us ways of communication. The role of na kapuna continues after death because they continue to send us inspiration, good advice, and wisdom.
A night to remember
Each year, before the winter holidays, the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association (MHLA) transforms the Community Center into a festive place of celebrations. Decorated for the occasion, bringing entertainment and good mood, the center welcomes over 400 kapuna who have no family to celebrate with or are homebound. The festive dinner is prepared by MHLA’s properties and restaurant members.
For several hours, the guests feel at home, surrounded by friends. They share memories and have fun, celebrating the holidays in advance. They even receive their gifts in advance. It’s a way of making them feel loved and appreciated, building friendships, and banishing loneliness.
