The Māhūi is a Culture and Education subcommittee of the Hawaiʻi LGBT Legacy Foundation. It guides the organizationʻs work, ensuring that itʻs place-based, and reflects Kanaka stories, values, and history.
The first-ever Kapaemahu Ceremony at Nā Pōhaku Ola was held by the Māhūi on October 1, 2021. The video was made by Leimaile Barrett with assistance from Sarah Kamakawiwoʻole.
In addition to hosting the annual Kapaemahu Ceremony, the Māhūi also leads the Honolulu Pride Parade and hosts educational and social gatherings–like Rainbow Town Halls and the Pride Pāʻina Lā ʻOhana–throughout the year, centering LGBTQIA+ MVPFAFF culture and community.
The series of 2021 Rainbow Town Halls hosted by the Māhūi, presented online and at Waiwai Collective, explored queerness and indigeneity, community building and spirituality. These intersectional dialogues featured cultural practitioners, community leaders, indigenous movement builders, musical artists and diverse members of the community. You can watch selected videos from these community gatherings here.
Learn more about the Māhūi by contacting Sami L.A. Akuna at Sami@HawaiiLGBTlegacy.com.
Photos: Mahina Choy Photography.