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In Language There Is Life: Poetry Workshop with Travis Kaululāʻau Thompson
April 15, 2026 @ 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
I ka ‘ōlelo nō ke ola, i ka ‘ōlelo nō ka make. “In language there is life, in language there is death.” — ʻŌlelo Noʻeau #1191 (Mary Kawena Pukui, 1983)
This interactive poetry workshop invites participants to explore identity, healing, and connection through storytelling and creative writing. Using shared readings and guided prompts, participants will write and share original poems in a supportive, welcoming space. No prior poetry experience is needed; brand-new writers are welcome and encouraged.
Travis Kaululāʻau Thompson is a poet and teaching artist with the Youth Poet Laureate program in Hawaiʻi, supporting young people to find their voice through poetry. Since 2003, he has been part of Hawaiʻi’s spoken word movement as a co-founder of Youth Speaks Hawaiʻi and a director with Pacific Tongues. He has performed on stages ranging from Lahainaluna High School to the Nuyorican Poets Café, and has taught in classrooms, juvenile detention centers, and cultural institutions across the islands. Through this work, he brings a deep commitment to storytelling, youth voice, and community healing.
This workshop is open to all ages. Pens and notebooks will be provided by the Archive for Health, Arts, and Spirit (AHAS).
Mahalo nui to the AHAS and Friends of the Libraries, Kona (F.O.L.K.) for sponsoring this event!
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required. For a schedule of events, go to the HSPLS Events Calendar.
