Hawai’i – Pu’ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site celebrates its 45th anniversary with their annual Ho’oku’ikahi Establishment Day Hawaiian Cultural Festival. The festival opened with Nā Papa Kanaka o Pu`ukoholā Heiau performing the Ho`okupu ceremony on Saturday, August 12 at Pelekane Bay. On Sunday, August 13 the festivities continue from 930am to 3pm.
This annual celebration is entitled “Ho’oku’ikahi I Pu’ukoholā Heiau.” Each year the festival’s theme is “Ke Kulana No’eau o Ka Wā Kahiko” (The Culture of Ancient Hawai`i). Established as a National Historic Site on August 17, 1972, Pu’ukoholā Heiau continues to be a place where living history is perpetuated, and where efforts to bring the people of Hawai’i together in pursuit of completing Kamehameha the Great’s unfinished good deeds is a primary objective.
Over 20 arts and craft workshops and demonstrations will be available for visitors to experience and learn hands-on, including Lei Haku Ame Lei Wili (ancient lei making), Hana Hu (making spinning tops), Hana Kapa Kuiki (quilting), Hawaiian Games, Kahili (feather standards), Ulana Lauhala (Lauhala weaving), Holo Wa’a (canoe rides), and more. This year we will be having local musicians playing songs of Hawai’i.
Park Superintendent Daniel Kawaiaea Jr. invites the public to join the festivities with only one stipulation, that each visitor learns at least one craft before leaving the area to help preserve part of the Hawaiian Culture. Bring refreshments and lunch if you plan to stay the entire day. It is recommended that comfortable clothing be worn, and that you use some type of sunscreen. This event will take place at Pelekane (Royal Courtyard) located near the beach below Pu’ukoholā Heiau. Parking will be on the coral flats, south of the Kawaihae Harbor.
This free public event is made possible through the cooperation of the Hawai’i Pacific Parks Association, Na Aikane o Pu’ukoholā Heiau, Na Papa Kanaka o Pu’ukoholā Heiau, the National Park Service, and many friends of the Park.
The stone heiau at Kawaihae is one of the last major sacred structures built in Hawai’i before outside influences altered ancient Hawaiian life permanently. Constructed in 1790-1791 by Kamehameha I, it ultimately led to his unification of the Hawaiian Islands and its people by 1810. If you would like additional information about this event or other upcoming events, please contact park staff at 882-7218
NĀ KE’ENA HANA
(Cultural Workshops and Activities 9:30am-3:00pm Sat. & Sun.)
Hula Kāhiko (Ancient Hula), Lei Haku Ame Lei Wili (Ancient Lei Making), Hana Kapa Kuiki (Quilting), Ulana, Lauhala (Lauhala Weaving), ‘Ohe Hanu Ihu (Nose Flute), Kūkūweke La’ī (Rain Cape), Hana ‘Upena Kiloi (Net Making), Ku’i ‘Ai (Poi Pounding), Holo Wa’a (Canoe Rides), Hana Hū (Spinning Tops)l, ‘Ohe Kāpala Ki’i (Bamboo Stamp, Designs), Pahu (Drums), Ulana Lau Niu (Frond Plaiting), Kahili (Fly Brush), Nī’au Pūlumi (Hawaiian Broom), Ipu (Gourd, making), Hana Pala’ie (Loop and Ball Making), Makau (Fishhook), Kumu La’au (Woodwork), Ku’i, Wauke (Tapa Pounding), Awa (Traditional Drink)
Key Links
https://www.nps.gov/puhe/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?event=845D00F6-155D-4519-3EF50CACA5C43172
https://www.facebook.com/PuukoholaHeiauNHS
Embedded Tweets
Planeta.com