Queen Ka’ahumanu Festival, March 12 & 13

The Queen Kaahumanu Center celebrates the anniversary of the birth of Queen Kaahumanu during a two day festival on Friday and Saturday, March 12 and 13, 2010 at the Queen Kaahumanu Shopping Center.

Click to enlarge image.

The event starts with an opening ceremony on Friday at 6 p.m. featuring the women of the Aha Hui Kaahumanu Royal Society.  The women of Native Hawaiian decent, honor Queen Elizabeth Kaahumanu with pule (prayer), history, hula, song and the draping of lei on the Queen’s statue.

Kaahumanu was born to parents Keeaumoku and Namahana in a cave at Kauiki Hill in Hana, Maui, during period of war between the ruling chiefs.

She was the first wife of Kamehameha, served as kuhina nui or co ruler of the kingdom with Liholiho and then as a regent during Kauikeauoli’s reign.  Her name is translated as “the feather cloak.”

Kaahumanu exerted great impact, influence, and power during much of the Kingdom’s existence, playing a key role in effecting changes and helping to shape the evolving relationship between ancient Hawaiian and the arrival of protestant missionaries.

The event continues with entertainment on Saturday, March 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Queen Kaahumanu, Center Stage.  Performances include George Kahumoku, Hulu Lindsey, Derek Sebastian, Josh Kahula, and Jason Sadang with the men and women of Kealaokala.