Kona Historical Society is pleased to present a joint presentation from two South Kona cultural practitioners about their ahupuaʻa and the importance of continuing to recognize, preserve and honor place names. Kahakaʻio Ravenscraft and Shane Akoni Palacat-Nelsen will share their perspectives on the places they call home, including the history and folklore of these places. This presentation will take place at the Friends of NELHA Visitor Center.

Kahakaʻio Ravenscraft resides in the ahupuaʻa of Onouli in the South Kona district of the island of Hawaii. His genealogy connects the roots of his ʻohana deeply to the areas of Napoʻopoʻo, Keʻei, and Honaunau. In his passion for his culture, Kahakaʻio dedicates his time to the practices of kalai kiʻi (traditional sculpture), moʻokūʻauhau (keeping of genealogy), and the spiritual tradition of ritual and ceremony. Through multiple avenues, Kahakaʻio works closely with Puʻuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park and also as an advocate for the awareness of cultural practices and traditions at Kealakekua Bay State Park. As a board member of Na Hoaaloha o ka Puʻuhonua o Honaunau, Kahakaʻio hopes to educate and inspire through the folklore and history of South Kona, Hawaii.

Shane Akoni Palacat-Nelsen is dedicated to the empowerment of Hawaiian people, particularly to those in South Kona on Hawaii Island. In addition to being a cultural practitioner, he works with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and produces performances related to his work in community-building.