Anuenue Freedom Festival events July 4th, 5th, and 10th at Kalani Oceanside Retreat Village

by Richard Koob
(12-6860 Kalapana Kapoho Beach Road)

Kalani is hosting a two week Anuenue Freedom Festival to celebrate Puna’s cultural rainbow and honor the Hawaiian heritage of the 120 acre retreat center. Visitors from around Hawai’i and beyond are invited from June 29th to July 11th to savor Kalani’s culinary flavors, re-vitalize with pool/spa wellness offerings, and engage in 50 activities per week. Fun community Festival days on July 4th, 5th and 10th welcome public day-use participation. Each presale ticket ($20/adult or $10/child age 12 and under) provides all activities for any day. Food, beverages and crafts will be available for purchase.

“Festival Freedom Day,” Sunday, July 4th, includes 10:30 a.m. “Sun Dance,” afternoon art/eco trek, wellness samplings, pool party with two DJs plus Marimba Ensemble, sports playoffs, evening Puna Men’s Chorus “ExtrABBAganza” plus fireworks. Dining theme is Pacific Fusion.

“Ho’olaule’a Holiday,” Monday, July 5th, includes halau and heiau ceremonies, family pool day, hula, evening Tahitian “Te-ao Maohi” dance, Hawaiian music, crafts and fire-spinning. Dining theme is Hawaiian.

“Finale Performance,” Saturday, July 10th, 8 p.m., showcases faculty and students of intensive performing arts training. Dinner is an ‘Ohana Barbeque

Full Festival and summer schedules are posted on www.kalani.com.

Partial funding has been provided by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the County of Hawai’i Department of Research and Development and the Hawai’i Tourism Authority. To register call 800-800-6886 or e-mail kalani@kalani.com.