Big Island Events: Enjoy Cultural Festival in the Rainforest of Volcano

by Mililani Hughes
(Volcano, Hawai'i)

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Come to the Makahiki ma ka Ma'ukele, a cultural festival in Volcano on Saturday, October 24, 2009. There are activities for all ages, and all interests.

The theme for this year's celebration is Hawaii: Earth, Sky, and Sea.

The day events will be held in Volcano Village. Beginning at 10:00 am with an opening ceremony lead by cultural resource, Auli'i Mitchell and the students of Ke Kula 'o Nawahiokalani'opu'u in the Carlsen Court on the Cooper Center campus, the day has a myriad of things to see, learn, and do.

In the Carlsen Court, there will be an information fair with kalo and poi demonstrations by students from Hawaii Community College, Hawaiian astronomy with representatives from the 'Imiola Astronomy Center, celestial navigation with master navigator Kalepa Baybayan, aquaculture in Hawai'i with Dr. Kevin Hopkins, Pacific Aquaculture Resource Center.

Learn to make sennit rope from coconut fibers from Teta Wolf.

There will also be 'ukulele and hula demonstrations taught by the students of Nawahiokalani'opu'u.

There will be many more things to do.

At the Cooper Center Building, Na Lei o Hawai'i will be featured with a lei contest, lei exhibition, and lei demonstrations.

There will also be a lei workshop. At Keakealani Outdoor Education Center, there will be makahiki games and a konane tournament.

In the evening, there will be a traditional lu'au menu at the Kilauea Military Camp Cafe.

During the Ho'olauna or social hour in the KMC 'Ohi'a Room, people can socialize, enjoy sweet Hawaiian music, and check out the silent auction.

The concert begins at 7:00 pm at the KMC theater with Bolo, a talented guitarist; the graceful students of Halau Ke 'Olu Makani o Mauna Loa and kumu hula Meleana Ulrich Manuel; and the sweet musical stylings of Cyril Pahinui.

The Makahiki is sponsored by the Volcano Community Association with the help of many community partners to promote cultural education, support cultural practitioners, and build community networks.

Proceeds from the event will support future cultural events.

Major supporters include the Hawaii Tourism Authority, The County of Hawai'i Research and Development Division, The Big Island Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc.

Check out the website www.volcanocommunity.org for further details.