In a world of mass production and digital marketplaces, events like Ho'omau Market serve as vital gathering spaces where culture isn't just displayed – it's lived, shared, and perpetuated. As a Native creator, my participation in Ho'omau isn't just about commerce; it's about continuing a legacy of connection and cultural expression in ways that resonate with our modern lives.
More Than a Marketplace
Ho'omau, meaning "to perpetuate" or "to persist," exactly captures what we're doing here. We're not just selling products – we're creating spaces where Hawaiian values and practices can thrive in contemporary contexts. In a time when many cultural practices risk being reduced to tourist attractions, Ho'omau Market stands as a testament to authentic cultural evolution.
A Modern Bridge to Tradition
What makes Ho'omau Market special is its understanding that tradition isn't static. As Native creators, we're not stuck in time – we're dynamic participants in our culture's ongoing story. Our businesses reflect this evolution: we create products and experiences that honor our heritage while speaking to contemporary needs and aesthetics.
Why These Spaces Matter
For Native creators like myself, markets like Ho'omau provide more than just a venue to sell our work. They offer:
- Community connection and support among fellow creators
- Spaces to share our stories directly with our community
- Opportunities to demonstrate how traditional values guide modern business practices
- A platform for showing younger generations how to carry forward cultural practices in relevant ways
Beyond Commerce
While sales matter (we are businesses, after all), Ho'omau Market's impact extends far beyond the economic. Each transaction represents a small act of cultural perpetuation. When customers engage with Native-owned businesses, they're not just buying products – they're participating in the ongoing story of Hawaiian culture.
Creating Future Traditions
As we prepare for another Ho'omau Market, I'm reminded that we're not just participating in an event – we're creating future traditions. We're showing that Hawaiian culture isn't a relic of the past but a living, breathing force that continues to adapt and thrive.
Each market, each interaction, each sale is a small act of ho'omau – of persistence, of continuation. In a world that often prioritizes speed and scale over connection and meaning, these events remind us of the importance of intentional creation and community gathering.
Looking Forward
As we approach this year's market, I'm filled with gratitude for spaces like this that allow us to share our work, connect with our community, and contribute to the ongoing story of Hawaiian culture. These aren't just markets – they're modern day pu'uhonua, safe spaces where culture can be celebrated, shared, and perpetuated.
For those wondering why events like Ho'omau Market matter: they matter because they show us that tradition and innovation aren't opposites – they're partners in the dance of cultural continuation. They matter because they give Native creators like myself spaces to thrive, to share, and to perpetuate our culture in ways that honor both past and present.
Join us at Ho'omau Market, and be part of this continuing story.
