Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 30, Number 11, 1 Nowemapa 2013 — Makahiki events [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Makahiki events

Makahiki is the traditional Native Hawaiian season when war was kapu, tribute was given to the ehiefs and rites of purification and celebration were performed. For Umi Kai, who is organizing a makahiki celebration Nov. 23 at Kualoa Regional Park, the season caps off a year of a labor of love. As he told KWO back in 2008: "Most people associate makahiki with the games, not the protocol. To me, the games are the physical, fun part. But the mental planning and everything else is the real crux of it all. "Makahiki might be celebrated in the four months, but preparations are made the whole year. If the ali'i said he wants 5,000 red hulu, you don't just get it the day before."

MAKAHIKI MAOLI FESTIVAL Sat, Nov. 16, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Kōmike Makua Pūnana Leo o Honolulu hosts this family friendly event that marks the beginning of the traditional Hawaiian year, and celebrates the values, language and arts of the Hawaiian people. Sponsored in part by OHA, the festival features traditional Makahiki games that are open to the puhlie, native artisans, crafters, demonstrations, exhibits, entertainment and hula. Kapi'olani Park Bandstand. Free. 841-6655 or www.facebook.com/ makahikimaolifestival. WAIMĀNALO MAKAHIKI Fri.-Sun., Nov. 22-24, timesvary Three days of events includes a ceremonial procession, games competition and exhibition, awards, camping, storytelling and native plantrestoration. Saturday activities

begin at 7 a.m. Donations accepted for park fees and permits and tents, tables, sleeping bags, chairs, mats, and food and drinks. Bellows Field Beach Park (City and County of Honolulu) campgrounds. RSVP by Nov. 15 to Kahu Ryan Kalama at kalamar001@hawaii.rr.com. MAKAHIKI NUI Sat, Nov. 23, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Makahiki Nui honors the traditions of ancient Hawai'i, beginning with the procession of Akua Lono and ho'okupu at 8 a.m., followed by traditional games at 9 a.m. for men and boys 16 years and older. The games continue throughout the day. The evening closes with a potluck dinner and awards presentation. Kualoa Regional Park, Large Group Site A. Free. To reserve a spot, eall Umi Kai at 840-5510 or e-mail uluponol@gmail.com. ■

Makahiki games of strength and skill include haka moa, pictured. - KW0file