It has been 14 years since Konawaena Elementary School last hosted a May Day celebration, but on Monday, the school started what they hope will be a continuous tradition.
On May 1, 2023, the Kealakekua school reintroduced their traditional May Day cultural celebration, for the first time since their last May Day, in 2009.
Determined to connect with his new school community ‘ohana, Principal Michael McCloskey was excited to share in the joy of bringing back and experiencing a beloved Konawaena Elementary school and community tradition.
Konawaena Elementary administration, staff, teachers and students spent the past few months preparing with their Aloha MAP ‘ohana, Lions Club and community partners, to welcome and wow their families and community with anunforgettable May Day production, “Living ALOHA”.
Upon arrival, families and friends were pleasantly surprised as each were greeted with a fresh flower lei, while approaching an impressive 60’x190’ enchanting white tent, with beautiful pronounced 25ft sail like peaks, prepared to seat 550 students and 450 guest.
Excitement filled the air as each grade level descended the stairway from Konawaena Elementary school campus to the performance area, wearing beautifully coordinated colors and kukui nut lei.
Festivities kicked off with a warm welcome by Principal McCloskey and mistress of ceremonies, Konawaena Elementary alumnus, 2003 May Day Queen, Lacy Deniz, followed by the presentation of the Royal May Day court represented by King Joshua Matthew Garcia and Queen Anna Rose Kekaionalani Grace, Hawaii – Cleighton Stone and; Natalie Sosa, Maui – Carter Bennett and Maya-Jae Royce, Kahoolawe – Ysawa Abner and; Maile Moore, Lanai – Ty Koby Okamura and Khlowie Rodrigues, Molokai – Jason Ruiz Ruiz and Jade-lyn Baysinger, Oahu – Malachai Sharpe and Bailey Moreno-Bollesteros, Kauai – Roy Lomongo and Lavai Smith, Niihau – Angel Gonzalez and Marina Gonzalez Avalos.
From this moment forward the entire production was a surfers dream wave of performances by each grade level building in energy, intensity and momentum from PreK to grade 5. Performances were accompanied by celebrity entertainers Danny Kennedy of Mana‘o Company, Moke Boy, Emma Coloma, Robi Kahakalau and Bu Laia. The 4 th grade class stole the show performing Pi‘i Mai Ka Nalu by Robi Kahakalau with Bu Laia. Other special performances by Konawaena Elementary alumnus included: Tahitian dance by Miss Hawaii Collegiate America- Tatia Deniz-McRight, Hula by former Konawaena Elementary May Day Queens, Hula by 2023 Konawaena High School May Day Court and Fire Knife by Konawaena High School Polynesian Clubs Siva Afi Boys.
Konawaena Elementary accomplished something extra special this 95 th year of May Day in Hawai‘i. ALOHA is the gift they shared from the time everyone set foot on their campus and throughout the entire “Living ALOHA” production. May Day united an entire community and Konawaena pride was “burning bright as Pele’s fires” as school, students and community closed the program together with their alma mater, lifting their voices in harmony, in honor of Konawaena Elementary, Middle and High schools singing, “Hail! Konawaena! Hail to thee!”.