5th Annual Hāna Limu Festival, Nov. 8-9
By Wendy Osher
The 5th Annual Hāna Limu Festival takes place this Friday and Saturday in East Maui.
The festival is organized by the non-profit group, Nā Mamo O Mū‘olea, to provide a deeper understanding of native limu (seaweed), and to become mindful of the roles the public plays in ensuring ocean resources are available for future generations.
Organizers say native limu is important, not only as a nutritious part of the traditional Hawaiian diet, but for its vital importance to the health of the ocean, providing food and shelter for native reef fish and other marine life.
The event includes cooking demonstrations, ‘Opihi monitoring, limu identification, and educational booths.
The festival starts with a talk story session, E Wala‘au Kākou, on Friday, Nov. 8, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Helene Hall at Hāna Bay Beach Park. Discussion includes participation from kūpuna, community leaders, cultural practitioners and limu experts.
The Limu Fest continues from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, at Kapueokah, Hāna Bay.
The list of activities on Saturday includes limu identification; an intertidal touch tank; Gyotaku; native limu cooking demonstration by Chef Barry Villarimo; ‘opihi monitoring; craft booths featuring Hāna-made items; education booths from Papahānaumokuākea, and DLNR; keiki games, art projects, interactive science activities, and activity passports; readings of “Iki, The Littlest ‘Opihi” and coloring with author and artist Tammy Yee; silent auction with more than 50 items to bid on including Hawaiian Airlines Miles, Maui Ocean Center passes, Dr. Isabella Abbott limu books, and more; T-shirt sales with art by Hank Eharis, Board President of Nā Mamo O Mū‘olea; food; and live music and hula.