Nā Pōhaku ‘Eha: Nā Mele o Nā Māhū (The Four Stones: The Music of the Māhū)

This chapter explores the intersectionality of Native Hawaiian identity and queerness through the lens of Nā Pōhaku ‘Eha, a cultural and educational framework for māhū (Native Hawaiian queer and gender-expansive) youth. Drawing on personal narratives, historical mo‘olelo, and the revival of cultural practices, the chapter examines how queerness serves as a vital conduit for leadership, resilience, and decolonization within Native Hawaiian communities. By foregrounding pilina (connection) and kuleana (responsibility), the work illustrates how ancestral chants, mele (songs), and rituals empower queer youth to honor their heritage while fostering communal belonging and leadership. It contextualizes māhū roles as healers, educators, and cultural stewards, countering colonial erasure and reframing queerness as an abundant, transformative force in music education and social justice. The chapter ultimately proposes a model for integrating Indigenous knowledge and queer perspectives into global music education, emphasizing the collective benefits of embracing intersectionality in fostering queer joy and resilience.