Shows &events
Hawaiian cultural festival Saturday, Sunday
Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site will celebrate its 45th anniversary with the park’s annual free Hookuikahi I Puukohola Establishment Day Hawaiian Cultural Festival this weekend.
The festival opens with hookupu ceremonies from 6-9:30 a.m. on Saturday with festivities continuing until 3 p.m. On Sunday, the festivities will commence at 9:30 a.m. and continue through 3 p.m.
The festival’s theme is “Ke Kulana Noeau O Ka Wa Kahiko” (The Culture of Ancient Hawaii) and the subtheme for this year’s event is “Pili Ma Ka Hanauna” (Related through having a common ancestor).
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 the people of Hawaii together in pursuit of completing Kamehameha the Great’s unfinished good deeds is a primary objective. This festival seeks to unify the past with the present to establish a firm future.
The festival will feature more than 20 arts and crafts workshops and demonstrations, including lei haku ame lei wili (ancient lei making), hana kapa kuiki (quilting), ulana lauhala (lauhala weaving), holo waa (canoe rides) and more.
Attendees are asked to bring refreshments and lunch if planning to stay the entire day. It is recommended that comfortable clothing be worn, and that sunscreen be used.
Info: www.nps.gov/puhe.
Collectors reception slated
Tiffany’s Art Agency in Hawi is featuring artist Christina Skaggs during August.
A free collectors reception will be held at 5 p.m. on Saturday at the gallery at 55-3435 Akoni Pule Highway.
Skaggs, of Hilo, began her distinctive painting process just over 10 years ago. Her first show in 2007 sold out, setting off a whirlwind decade of activity. Last year, her work was selected for an international exhibition by a curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art followed by an exhibition at the Architectural Digest Design Show in New York City. Her work hangs in private and public collections around the world, including the entry to the spa at the Four Seasons Resort, Hualalai.
Info: 747-5882.
Mishka to perform in Honokaa
Mishka performs next weekend at Honokaa People’s Theatre.
The 6:30 p.m. concert on Aug. 18 is a benefit for Mishka benefit concert for the Hawaiian Cultural Center of Hamakua and Pohaha I ka Lani.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
Info: info.HCCOH@gmail.com or 494-0626.
Mai Tai Festival returns Aug. 19
The ninth annual Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival is Aug. 19 at Royal Kona Resort, in Kailua-Kona.
The festival, which celebrates the legendary mai tai cocktail, will feature more than 20 of the world’s top bartenders mixing it up in a battle for the title of “World’s Best Mai Tai,” and a $10,000 cash prize for first place, $5,000 for second and $2,500 for third. The Mai Tai Mix-off runs 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Mai tai judges are Service Publications Inc. publisher and editor-in-chief Christopher Teves, past winner Michael Soo, chefs Sam Choy and Ippy Aiona, Body Glove owner Billy Meistrell and KoHana Hawaiian Agricole Rum Brand Manager Kyle Reutner.
Festival highlights leading up to the Mai Tai Mix-off include the Mai Tai Marketplace, which offers crafts and treats from local artisans and merchants from 11 a.m.-4 p.m; the Battle of the BBQ, in which attendees will be able to taste and vote for Hawaii best barbecue from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; and a pool party featuring live music from 2:30-4 p.m.
Admission to the festival is free and it is open to the public. Scrip will be sold at the event for food and some beverage purchases. Certain drinks and food will be sold via cash and/or credit.
Info: www.donsmaitaifest.com.
Zumbathon and party benefits West Hawaii Child and Family Services
The second annual Zumbathon and party to “Shine a Light” on domestic violence — is set for 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Aug. 19 at Kona Imin Center in Holualoa.
Hosted by Dance 4 Action, last year’s inaugural Zumbathon raised more than $3,500 for West Hawaii Child and Family Services domestic abuse shelters that offer temporary shelter offering women and children for up to 90 day when fleeing from domestic violence. Organizeres are hoping to double that amount this year.
More than 15 Zumba instructors from around the island will keep the dance fitness party rockin’, and DJ EzE (Eric Ching) will be back with his spectacular sounds and lights.
Ticket are $20 and include one entry for prize giveaways. Children 10 and younger enter free.
Info: Email danceforaction@gmail.com.
Classes &workshops
‘Fearless Abstract Painting’ with Samantha daSilva
Big Island artist Samantha daSilva will share her method of painting using rollers rather than brushes, tables instead of easels, lots of paint and water, canvas manipulation and plaster, sand and wood shavings to create ethereal textured abstracts during a workshop on Aug. 26 at Volcano Art Center.
The 10 a.m.-4 p.m. workshop covers a basic overview of acrylic paints and mediums, the emotional language of color and so more. No experience is necessary.
Cost is $85 for VAC members and $90 for nonmembers, in addition to a $15 supply fee. There are also materials that students must furnish.
Info: Visit www.volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222. ■