The 14th annual Wiliwili Festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Waikoloa Dry Forest Preserve.
This year’s festival theme, Laulima, meaning “cooperation,” honors the collective efforts of the community in restoring and preserving Hawaii’s native lowland dry forest.
The event reflects on the success of local conservation initiatives and highlights the ongoing collaboration that continues to restore natural and cultural landscapes throughout the region.
“It is a small community of passionate people that protect and restore our environment but our impact is amplified by volunteers and activists who help us accomplish our work and share the stories of special places, like our dryland forests,” said Jen Lawson, who has been coordinating the event since 2013.
The festival will feature a variety of educational and interactive experiences designed to engage attendees of all ages.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore informative booths, participate in hands-on activities, and hear from the educators, scientists, land managers, historians and cultural practitioners who will be exhibiting.
The festival aims to raise awareness of Hawaii’s native ecosystems and provide practical ways for individuals to get involved in local conservation efforts.
The event also will include native planting workshops, a plant giveaway, guided hikes, a collaborative art installation and live music by Drew Martin. For the first time, Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative also will host a free pau hana community concert after festivities in the forest conclude.
The concert, featuring Kala‘e and Kalena Parish, will take place at the Waikoloa Stables, offering a chance to unwind and enjoy good music with friends and neighbors.
The Wiliwili Festival is free to attend and provides a chance for the community to come together in celebration of conservation and Hawaii’s unique natural heritage. The event is supported by funding from the Hawaii Tourism Authority through the Community Enrichment Program.
For more information or to register for a workshop, please visit waikoloadryforest.org/wiliwilifestival or email wdfi@waikoloadryforest.org.
The Waikoloa Dry Forest Preserve is located on Quarry Road near Waikoloa Village.
