By Sarah Kinsman
Surfing. Sunbathing. Luaus. Hula dancing.
All these things might be what pop into someone's mind when they think of Hawaii. But, consider this instead: ho'ike (ho-ee-kay), a word that means "to show or exhibit." To learn more about their heritage, the youth of the Honolulu Hawaii West Stake put on a ho'ike to tell the stories of how the Church came to the Polynesian islands.
The ho'ike depicted a journey through Polynesia that honored their ancestors through song and dance and taught of the work of the gospel of Jesus Christ among the people of Polynesia. Through this performance the youth not only connected with their past, but they also grew closer to each other and the Lord.
"Through this experience, our young people have learned to respect and celebrate other heritages, strengthen relationships with one another, and develop talents many did not know they possessed," said Harry Murray, the emcee for the event. "This labor of love was both challenging and fun, both educational and spiritual for all involved. The greatest lesson has been the realization that the gospel of Jesus Christ brings us all together despite our varied backgrounds and fosters attributes within us that are universal."