Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 18 hours ago
Co-creators Ākea and Kaʻiminaʻauao Kahikina talk story about how Kūkā Kīkī came to be. They discuss why they chose to feature “No ka Pono o ka Māhūi,” the forthcoming Hūlili special issue co-edited by Ākea and Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio, and how the podcast was envisioned as a space for queer(ed) Kānaka to be seen, safe, and sovereign. Together, they reflect on storytelling as ea—breath, voice, and liberation.
Hosts:
Kaʻiminaʻauao Kahikina (Host, PhD student, Scholar & Artist)
Ākea Kahikina (Producer, Writer, Director)
Listen & Learn:
How can conversation itself be a form of ceremony, resistance, and renewal for the māhūi?
Work Featured:
“No ka Pono o ka Māhūi” (forthcoming special issue of Hūlili)
Theme:
Building a home for queer(ed) Kanaka storytelling
*This episode engages Hawaiian worldviews and social contexts, and explores themes of sexuality, gender, and erotics. Some language and content may be considered strong or triggering. Viewer/listener discretion is advised.
Art concept: Kaʻiminaʻauao Kahikina @mahucha_art
Art design: Sara Saffery @sarasaffery
Music: “Pua Līlīlehua,” Mokihana Flood, Tree of Life
Follow the podcast on IG: @kukakikipodcast
Co-creators Ākea and Kaʻiminaʻauao Kahikina talk story about how Kūkā Kīkī came to be. They discuss why they chose to feature “No ka Pono o ka Māhūi,” the forthcoming Hūlili special issue co-edited by Ākea and Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio, and how the podcast was envisioned as a space for queer(ed) Kānaka to be seen, safe, and sovereign. Together, they reflect on storytelling as ea—breath, voice, and liberation.
Hosts:
Kaʻiminaʻauao Kahikina (Host, PhD student, Scholar & Artist)
Ākea Kahikina (Producer, Writer, Director)
Listen & Learn:
How can conversation itself be a form of ceremony, resistance, and renewal for the māhūi?
Work Featured:
“No ka Pono o ka Māhūi” (forthcoming special issue of Hūlili)
Theme:
Building a home for queer(ed) Kanaka storytelling
*This episode engages Hawaiian worldviews and social contexts, and explores themes of sexuality, gender, and erotics. Some language and content may be considered strong or triggering. Viewer/listener discretion is advised.
Art concept: Kaʻiminaʻauao Kahikina @mahucha_art
Art design: Sara Saffery @sarasaffery
Music: “Pua Līlīlehua,” Mokihana Flood, Tree of Life
Follow the podcast on IG: @kukakikipodcast
