The third annual Hawaii Kuauli Pacific & Asia Cultural Festival will be held virtually Sept. 11 through 13.
The festival is an exciting three-day event of cultural festivities, entertainment, wearable arts, keiki hula and culinary arts — all held online at www.hikuauli.com and on Facebook.
Wahine Toa Designs, Halau Kaeaikahelelani and Kelston Intermediate School’s Samoan Cultural Group from New Zealand are a few of the many participants who will be showcased throughout this event. Major sponsors include the County of Hawaii, Island Breeze Productions Inc., Innovision Studios and Altar Media Productions.
Opening ceremonies are held at 4 p.m. on Sept. 11 with a traditional cultural protocol to welcome all festival participants. Participants representing Samoa, Korea and Japan will join virtually to honor the host people of Hawaii.
Festivities on Sept. 12 will begin at 1 p.m. with the Taste of Pacific & Asia. The event will include culinary presentations featuring local chefs demonstrating how to make their favorite Pacific and Asian recipes. The Kona Grill House, the Feeding Leaf Kitchen & Okazuya and Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill will all be participating.
Later in the afternoon, the Wearable Arts event will take place with designers from Hawaii and the Pacific. Hosted by Nita Pilago owner of Wahine Toa Designs and designers from Laitahikoa Designs, the presentation will provide its audience with a whole new understanding of the beauty of indigenous fashion. Online pop-up shops will be available.
Sept. 12 will close with the Keiki Hula Hoike. Under the direction of Kahelelani Lyons of Halau Kaeaikahelelani, this event will feature keiki halau sharing the stories of the Kamehameha dynasty from various sacred locations throughout Hawaii Island.
The festival will conclude on Sunday, Sept. 12, with cultural workshops and a special celebration starting 1 p.m. featuring keynote speaker John DeFries, who was recently appointed president of Hawaii Tourism Authority. Immediately following will be music the public movie debut of the story of Henry Opukahaia and a live release of the Hawaii Blessing. The finale of the festival will be an announcement about the newest addition to the festival in 2021 — the Le Kaua Ailao Fireknife Competition.
For more information, please visit www.hikuauli.com.
