(This page will be updated for the next two weeks as guests submit photos and comments to be included HERE.)

KAPUAKUKUI: Celebrating 75 Years at Camp Mokulē'ia
By Sybil Nishioka, Editor

​[Chronicle, September 8, 2022]  Nestled among the Ironwood trees along the coast of O'ahu's pristine North Shore, is Camp Mokulē'ia, the Diocese of Hawai'i's precious venue starring nature at its finest with breathtaking scenery and dazzling sunsets.  Its 75-year history is steeped in the countless memories of generations young and old who frolicked in the turquoise waters, burned a s'mores or two, or escaped to a secluded spot on the beach for a solemn moment of reflection and prayer.

This past Saturday, September 3, 2022, the Camp's year-long observance of its 75th anniversary culminated with a gala event that honored one of its staunchest supporters, the Rev. Canon David Kennedy. His father, the Right Rev. Harry Kennedy, Bishop of The Episcopal Church in Hawai'i at the time, founded Camp Mokulē'ia, after raising funds to purchase the 3-acre site from the McInerny family.  As a teenager, David had the distinction of being one of its first junior counselors. The year was 1947, and his connection to the Camp has never ceased.  Through the years, he has served as a Junior Counselor, Camp Director, and as Chair of the Camp's Board of Directors. 

---

​Fast forward to Saturday, and the breezy afternoon trades calmed down just in time to create a magical setting for the over 200 people arriving for this special event.  They were treated to an evening chock-full of activities, exploration, entertainment, and ono food! From the moment guests arrived, they were encouraged to explore the property and take part in a few fun activities along the way.

With map in hand, folks began their exploration at the Camp's Lodge. Continuing on, they could check out the Chapel with its beautiful iconic mural, enjoy a treat of refreshing Honey Slush (to die for), soak in some history about the Seawall, take a selfie at the kayak and paddle board station, and watch the incredible talent of plein air artist Mark Brown create a painting that would be sold in the Silent Auction.  Along the way, folks took pause to absorb the dramatic coastal scenery.

​Next stop, items from the online Silent Auction that had opened in August could be viewed in the dining hall. Jewelry, artwork, lauhala handiwork, sturdy Adirondak chairs, and everything in between, were on display.  You could make a donation to the Camp's programs, bid on a stay-cay with the family, or hope to get away from it all at Lake Tahoe or Sonoma County wine-country!  The auction officially closed at 7:00 PM, and raised nearly $8,000!

---

The main tent was initially roped off to encourage people to continue to explore the grounds.  The beverage station was busy keeping folks adequately hydrated, and the Camp's nearby Snack Shack welcomed folks to peruse and purchase the Camp's logo items, or to pick up Kapuakukui event t-shirts.  Sponsored tables were decorated with centerpieces of kukui, ulu or naupaka, along with special favors. All guests received cookie favors that were bagged and tagged with pictures created by this year's summer program children.

Just past the main tent, guests tested their skills at the cornhole game while others ventured further along the path to visit the tentalos and garden. And like the perfect soundtrack to a romantic movie, the music of Na Hoku Hanohano award winner and 'Iolani School alumnus, Kamuela Kahoano, filled the air.  Several guests strolled the white sand beach or found a quiet spot to watch the vibrantly colored clouds put on a show as the sun slowly made its way behind the mountains. Magical indeed... ​

Tree Planting Ceremony

Kapuakukui, or "the flowers of the kukui tree" was the name given for this event.  Kukui is a sign of enlightenment both in education and spirituality, and pua (flower) is symbolic of children.

In appreciation for his many years of dedicated service, a kukui tree was planted to honor David Kennedy.  Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick, who praised  Father Kennedy's commitment and support, blessed the tree and offered a heart-felt message and prayer.  A plaque placed nearby bears the inscription: "In celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Camp Mokule'ia this kukui tree was planted in appreciation and honor of The Rev. Canon David Kittle Kennedy for his years of dedicated service to Camp Mokule'ia   September 3, 2022"

The Program

Serving as Master of Ceremony, the Rev. Moki Hino welcomed guests as they made their way to the tables under the tent.  Introductions of staff, those who traveled great distances to be there, and housekeeping rules were announced.

Father Hino invited Kumu Kū Koanui-Souza to open the evening's festivities with a traditional oli.  Kumu Kū has over 30 years of hula experience and is a Kumu Hula and Hawaiian Ensemble teacher at ‘Iolani School. His oli was created especially for this event. 

Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick then offered the invocation and the feast began. The local-style buffet featured fresh fruit, green salads, rice, noodles, and entrees of chicken, pork, and fish.

​Kamuela Kahoano continued to delight the audience throughout dinner.  

Kicking off the formal portion of the program was the boy's halau from 'Iolani School's Performing Arts, led by Kumu Kū. It was announced that this was the first time that they were performing together and they did not disappoint, wowing the audience with two powerful kahiko numbers.  ​

​Introducing the honoree was the Rev. Canon Brian Grieves, whose impeccable knowledge of the Diocese and its clergy are well-known.  His humorous reference about selecting someone for this honor "who had to be old" elicited laughter, but the choice of David Kennedy couldn't have been more fitting or well-deserved. 

​Grieves had penned the bio of Kennedy that appeared in the event program, and also collaborated on a detailed historical account of Camp Mokulē'ia that was prepared for this 75th anniversary event. That document, complete with photos from days long gone, can be viewed and downloaded HERE. A special video presentation highlighting the Camp's program and facilities was also shared.

Anyone who has spent time with David Kennedy knows that they are in for a few laughs, generated by his light-hearted sarcasm and stoic delivery.  Indeed, he had the audience chuckling within the first 60 seconds of taking the podium.  Joking aside, he graciously thanked the Bishop for his words and blessing shared at the tree planting earlier.  Kennedy reflected on his time with the Camp and how far it had come in 75 years, enduring extreme challenges both physical and financial. Somehow, it always weathered the storm.  He closed with a strong message for everyone to support the Camp that has helped shape so many lives over the years. "You may never know the impact you could have on someone," remarked Kennedy in closing.

Executive Director Darrell Whitaker provided closing remarks with a message of gratitude, humility and hope. He shared a tidbit about his journey to the Islands and how any apprehension he had during the interview was washed away the moment he stepped into the warm waters of the Pacific.  He's looking forward to the Camp's bright future as the pandemic wanes and plans for much needed repairs to the cabins take place. 

​The evening ended with the crowd joining hands, singing "Hawai'i Aloha." 

 

More shots & video clips... can you find yourself?

Please share your pictures and/or video clips to be included in this section!  Include your name for captioning and e-mail them to Sybil HERE.

---

Camp Mokulē'ia Board of Directors:

The Rt. Rev. Robert L. Fitzpatrick, Chair of the Board

The Rev. Canon Brian Grieves, President (Interim)

Bill Slocumb, Secretary
​
​Jane Tonokawa, Treasurer

​​Cecilia Fordham

Galen Haneda

The Rev. Mark Haworth

Tom King

Ryan Kusumoto

Nara McDonald

Deb Tupper

Vertical Divider

Camp Mokulē'ia Executive Directors

1969-1975
1975-1977
1977-1987
1988-1992
1992-1999
2000-2002
2003-2009
2009-2017
​2018-Present

Bil Aulenbach
Frank Gray
Brian Grieves
Ed Bonsey
Ken Zitz
Philip Geissler
​(Vacant*) 
David Turner
​Darrell Whitaker

* Board President Bill Lucas oversaw Operations

Behind the Scenes

​Like any event of this undertaking, it takes a small army to make sure everything comes together and goes smoothly.  Planning began two years ago, and the Kapuakukui Committee was formed with Executive Director Darrell Whitaker and some of the members of the Board of Directors:  Jane Tonokawa (who served as Chair of the event), Galen Haneda, Cecilia Fordham, Nara McDonald and the Rev. Mark Haworth.  "I couldn't have done it without them!" said Darrell.

I was very pleased with the evening. It was a great reminder of how many lives have been touched here at camp over the last 75 years. So many people with so much love for this special “thin place” we call Camp Mokulē'ia.

Camp Mokulē'ia has a bright future and much to look forward to in the years to come. Programs are growing. Facilities are being upgraded. Next big project is the renovation of our cabins which are in dire need of attention. 

Darrell Whitaker, Executive Director, Camp Mokulē'ia

On site, camp staff worked extra hard in the weeks leading up to the event.  "Camp Mokulē'ia has a wonderful, dedicated staff that worked so hard over the past few months preparing the camp!" said Darrell. "They put in countless hours of hard work painting, cleaning, landscaping, etc."

For other members, endless hours were spent organizing, planning, developing, coordinating, and making sure to get everything online and the word out to the public.  They enlisted the help of volunteers and contractors to make sure every aspect of the event was addressed.  

There were concerns about the distance folks had to travel and pandemic scares that would hamper attendance, but despite a slow start with ticket sales, the event sold out!

Mahalo nui loa to all those who helped to make this a most memorable event!

---

Pictured in the top collage clockwise from center, The Rev. Canon David Kennedy with the Bishop and Bea; Executive Director Darrell Whitaker; Event Chair and Board Member Jane Tonokawa; Historian the Rev. Canon Brian Grieves; plein air artist extraordinaire Mark Brown; the Camp's cross at dusk; the multi-talented award winning entertainer Kamuela Kahoano

Sybil Nishioka, Editor & Multimedia Consultant
Photography and Video Clips:  Sybil Nishioka with contributions from Matt Tonokawa and Canon Sandy Graham