PITTSFIELD, MASS.- Berkshire Museum recently welcomed students from the Kula Manu Club of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama in Hawai’i to the city of Pittsfield for an ’Awa Ceremony on Friday, June 12. This special observance celebrated the gifting of a Hawaiian feather cape to the museum, replicated by the students by hand over the course of a few years. The cape, called an ’ahu’ula, is traditionally worn by the ali’i, or ruling class of Hawai’i. The original cape that the replica is inspired by had been in the museum’s collection since it first opened its doors in 1903, and thanks in part to the work of the students, it has recently been repatriated to Hui Iwi Kuamo’o, a Native Hawaiian organization that focuses on the repatriation of culturally sensitive Hawaiian materials. Museum leadership praised the students' work and efforts around the world to bring objects back to their native countries and destinations.

“We were honored to have the Kula Manu Club come to Pittsfield for this observance,” said Berkshire Museum Executive Director Kim Bush Tomio. “Bringing this object back to its rightful home is not only a significant achievement in itself but also a powerful reminder of the importance of stewardship, accountability, and respect for the communities to which these items belong.”

The Kula Manu Club at the Kamehameha Schools was created in 2023 by a teacher, Steven Cup Choy, and four students. The group originally planned to pursue the repatriation of a cape at the Smithsonian, but pivoted after discovering the object was already being sent to Hawai’i. While looking for a cape to replicate, they discovered one located at the Berkshire Museum. It was there that the club started to lay the groundwork for its efforts.

“The project started with visiting the Berkshires and viewing this cape that hadn’t been in Hawai’i or around Hawaiian people for a long time,” said Steven Cup Choy. “Our initial goal was just to see the cape and examine its condition, and it just kept expanding. We thought to ourselves, “What about repatriating this cape? What about creating a replica so that the culture could continue to be shared?”





The students worked closely with the museum’s Collection Manager, Jason Vivori, over the course of three years to help make this project possible. While work on the replica continued, efforts to repatriate the original cape began in 2025, culminating with the return of the ’ahu’ula to Hawaii in May 2026. Since then, the item has been gifted to the Kaua’i Museum where it is currently on display. Members of the club were grateful that their efforts became more meaningful following the object's return, as its cultural significance could now be more fully recognized. Sahana Ahmed, a former student who led the delegation across the US, couldn’t be prouder of the club's work.

“I was one of the club’s founders, so being able to be a graduate of the Kamehameha School and Kula Manu Club and seeing this project come full circle at the Berkshire Museum has been so special for me, “ said Sahana Ahmed. “It has definitely been my biggest dedication throughout high school and the largest service I’ve done for my native Hawaiian community. It’s a really special moment.”

The students from Kamehameha left Hawai’i on June 8 to visit a few other destinations in the United States, including New York City. While visiting the Berkshires, the students connected with staff from the Berkshire Museum to conduct an ’Awa Ceremony, which is used to welcome visitors, mark milestones, and seal mutual respect among community and political leaders. In this instance, it marked the transfer of the recreated cape as well as a formal recognition of the culmination of the effort students put into the project.

“Knowing that I’m helping preserve and share Hawaiian culture with people around the world means a great deal to me, “ said Brooke Keliikipi, a former student and fellow founder of the Kula Manu Club. “There was a time when learning and practicing these traditions was prohibited, so being able to contribute to keeping them alive is incredibly meaningful. I never imagined I could have that kind of impact, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of that legacy."

The students were also honored with a proclamation from Mayor Peter M. Marchetti of Pittsfield, which designated Saturday, June 13, as “Hawaiian Cultural Heritage Celebration Day.” It coincided with the club’s event that same day at the Pittsfield Farmers Market, in close collaboration with the Berkshire Museum, Roots Rising, and the city of Pittsfield. The program showcased Hawaiian culture with lei making, hula, and crafts like kapa bag printing and feathered cape design.