Pāʻina under the Monkeypod

The monkeypod spreads a roof wide enough for a whole backyard table. As daylight fades, string lights find the branches, serving bowls arrive from every kitchen, and chairs appear for people nobody knew were coming.

A pāʻina does not need a formal occasion. Its center is the generous act of eating together — passing plates, telling stories, and making certain that anyone near the edge is drawn into the light.