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Hookuikahi I Puukohola Heiau (Aug. 13-14)

MEDIA RELEASE

Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site celebrates its 39th anniversary with the annual Hookuikahi Establishment Day Hawaiian Cultural Festival.

The festival open with the Hookupu ceremony and a sham battle 6:30-10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, with festivities continuing till 3 p.m. On Sunday, Aug. 14, the festivities will commence at 10 a.m. and continue through 3 p.m.

This annual celebration is entitled “Hookuikahi I Puukohola Heiau.” Each year the festival’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 the people of Hawaii together in pursuit of completing Kamehameha the Great’s unfinished good deeds is a primary objective.

More than 20 arts and craft workshops and demonstrations will be available for visitors to experience and learn hands-on, including Lei Haku Ame Lei Wili (ancient lei making), Hana Hu (making spinning tops), Hana Kapa Kuiki (quilting), Hawaiian Games, Kahili feather standards), Ulana Lauhala (Lauhala weaving), Holo Waa (canoe rides), and more. Local musicians will play songs of Hawaii.

Park Superintendent Daniel Kawaiaea Jr. invites the public to join the festivities with only one stipulation, that each visitor learns at least one craft before leaving the area to help preserve part of the Hawaiian Culture.

Bring refreshments and lunch if you plan to stay the entire day. It is recommended that comfortable clothing be worn, and that you use some type of sunscreen.

This event will take place at Pelekane (Royal Courtyard) located near the beach below Puukohola Heiau. Parking will be on the coral flats, south of the Kawaihae Harbor.

The festival is made possible through the cooperation of the Hawaii Natural History Association, Na Aikane o Puukohola Heiau, Na Papa Kanaka o Puukohola Heiau, National Park Service, and many 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.

For further information, call 882-7218 Ext. 1011 or www.nps.gov/puhe

One Response to “Hookuikahi I Puukohola Heiau (Aug. 13-14)”

  1. LInda Ballou says:

    (18) Pu’ukohola Hieau, or the Temple on the Hill of the Whale, built by Kamehameha I in honor of Ku, the war god was a monumental undertaking. Workers formed a human chain at least 20 miles long and transported the rocks hand to hand to the top of Pu’ukohola from the distant seaside valley of Pololu. I visited the Hieau while researching for my novel Wai-nani, High Chiefess of Hawaii. I would love to attend this event but, will have to settle for memories of my visit.

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