Nā Wāhine Buda Kiakahi Film Screening & Panel

Nā Wāhine Buda Kiakahi: Buddhism and the Legacy of Hawaiian Women

Join us for a special screening of Nā Wāhine Buda Kiakahi, followed by a panel conversation exploring Buddhism’s living legacy in Hawaiʻi.

Event Schedule
- Doors open at 5:30 PM
- Program begins at 6:00 PM
- Film screening at 6:15 PM
- Panel discussion at 7:00 PM
- Event concludes at 8:30 PM

Local filmmaker Eleni Avendaño’s insightful 42-minute documentary traces the history of Buddhist thought in the Native Hawaiian community, beginning with Mary Mikahala Robinson Foster, lady in waiting to Queen Liliʻuokalani. While many know Foster for the creation of Foster Botanical Garden, land she bequeathed to the City of Honolulu, she remains underrecognized for her profound role in perpetuating the practice of Buddhism in Hawaiʻi and abroad. Revered in India and Sri Lanka for her contributions, Foster’s spiritual leadership continues to ripple across generations.

Narrated by Puakea Nogelmeier, the film features Nola Nāhulu, Puanani Burgess, Norma Wong, and Manu Aluli Meyer, who share how Buddhist philosophy informs contemporary Hawaiian leadership and multireligious spiritual practice today.

Following the screening, stay for a thoughtful panel discussion with the filmmaker and featured voices as we reflect on history, identity, and the evolving “stew” of spirituality in modern Hawaiʻi.

Light refreshments will be available.

This is event is co-hosted by Na Lei Aloha Foundation.

Nā Lei Aloha Foundation is the secular, community support arm of the Shinnyo-en Buddhist community in Hawaiʻi. Through grantmaking and hosting events that encourage relationship building, collaboration, and mutual support, Nā Lei Aloha Foundation is a convener of individuals and organizations working to benefit others.

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Host or Publisher Funder Hui