Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site will celebrate its 44th anniversary with their Annual Hookuikahi Establishment Day Hawaiian Cultural Festival this weekend. This year, the park is also celebrating the 225th anniversary of the completion of the heiau (1791-2016), as well as the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary.
The festival will open with Na Papa Kanaka o Puukohola Heiau performing the hookupu ceremony from 6-9:30 a.m. Saturday, followed by various Hawaiian arts and crafts demonstrations and workshops until 3 p.m. on the beach of Pelekane Bay, below the heiau in Kawaihae. On Sunday, the festivities commence at 9:30 a.m. and continue through 3 p.m.
This year’s theme is “Ke Kulana Noeau o Ka Wa Kahiko” (The Culture of Ancient Hawaii). Established as a National Historic Site on Aug. 17, 1972, Puukohola Heiau continues to be a place where living history is perpetuated, and where efforts to bring people of Hawaii 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. Experience and learn hands-on:le haku ame lei wili (ancient lei making), hana kapa kuiki (quilting), ulana lauhala (lauhala weaving), holo waa (canoe rides), Hawaiian music, and more.
Attendees are encouraged to bring refreshments and lunch if they plan to stay the entire day. it is recommended that comfortable clothing and sunscreen be worn.
This free public event is made possible through the cooperation of the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association, Na Aikane o Puukohola Heiau, Na Papa Kanaka o Puukohola, National Park Service, and friends of the Park.
The stone heiau at Kawaihae is one of the last major sacred structures built in Hawaii 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.
Info: 882-7218, ext. 1001, or www.nps.gov/puhe.