Festivals of Aloha Celebrates Culture and Traditions in Hāna

2016 Festivals of Aloha Hana Royal Court, represented by the Lono ʻOhana. PC: Frances Kalaola

The Festivals of Aloha 2016 event is in the East Maui community of Hāna this week, where festivities are being held throughout the week in honor of Native Hawaiian culture and traditions.

Over the weekend, a parade and ho‘olaule‘a was held, featuring hula and Hawaiian music.  The week continues with a Movie in the Park tonight, a Lei and Floral show on Thursday, a Country Carnival on Friday, Cross Country Golf and Hō‘ike Night this weekend. (A calendar of events is posted below)

On Saturday, the festivities included the presentation of the event’s Royal Court of Hāna, which was represented this year by nearly 30 members of the Lono ʻOhana.

The Moʻi Kane or king was represented by Kepano Lono; his Kalaimoku or advisor was Iokewe Lono; his Kamaliʻi Kane or prince and heir to the throne was Kalani Souza; and the Kiaʻi or guard to the prince was Keoki Piʻilani Manaois.

The Moʻi Wahine or queen was represented by Lanilei Souza; and her Kahu and advisor was Leilani Hanchett.

The Ukali or attendants and ladies in waiting were: Puamelia Kahoʻokele; Anelakuʻumakaleʻawaipunahanaeminoakaʻai Lono Kaina; Pomaikaʻikamalulani Lono; and Leipualiʻilani Kuʻuipo Lono.

The Mea Kiaʻi Hope or court guards included: Kaiʻiki Lono Manrique and Kanekauwila Lono Manrique. The Popoki or wahine warriors who were tasked with securing the safety of of the Aliʻi and protecting the royal family were: Anelaolaʻakea Lono, Kepano Lono and Leialoha Kai.

The Koa warrior, tasked with protecting the perimeter of the Royal Court and secure the safety of the Aliʻi was Kekaha Lono.

The Pu Kani members heralded the royal court to announce the arrival of the Aliʻi and their retinue and included: Iokewe Kaumakaonakoaliʻi Lono; Kipukakauaheahe Lono; and Kamakanamaikalanai Lono Kaina.

The Mea Oli court chanters–Mahealani Lono and Kekaimaluhia Kaina–delivered a special greeting to all who were gathered, and the mele kuʻauhau, geneaology of life.

2016 Festivals of Aloha Hana Royal Court, represented by the Lono ʻOhana. PC: Willie Mahadocon

Paʻa Puloʻuloʻu carried an ancient symbol of sacredness, a reminder that no one is permitted to approach the king or enter into the court.  The Puloʻuloʻu was carried before the king as a symbol of taboo by Kamanaʻokakoalono Manrique.

Paʻa Kahili–Kauanoeokekane, Oliveira Casteneda and Kamanuwai Lono–held royal standards, symbolic of peace and royalty.  Each standard is looked upon as a person, given a special name and setting the sacred boundary of the Royal Court.

The Mea Kiaʻi court guards–Kinikalakua Oliveira and Leoaloha Lono–stood at their posts as a reminder that no one is permitted to enter the perimeter of the Royal Court.

Additional events this week associated with the Festivals of Aloha 2016 event in Hāna include the following:

October 12:

• Movie in the Park, Hāna Youth Center, ‘Ohana Makamae & Hale Hulu Mamo
  presents, Hāna Ball park, 5:30 to 10 p.m.

October 13:

• The Lei and Floral show will be held at Travaasa Hāna (formerly known as Hotel Hāna Maui): Contact the hotel at (808) 248-8211 for more information. Registration runs from 8 to 9 a.m. Judging is at 9:15 a.m. Call Michelle Prest for more information at (808) 270-3284.
• Kupuna Luncheon: Hāna’s beloved Kupuna are invited to Travaasa Hāna’s Preserve Kitchen (formally called the Ka’uiki Dining Room) for a day of Hawaiian food & entertainment. 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Call Michelle Prest for more information at (808) 270-3284.
• Hāna Talent Show, The annual talent show presented by Hāna Arts. Hana Ball park 4 to 10p.m.

October 14:

• Country Carnival Night Hāna Ball Park: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Sponsored by Alu Like Hāna) Purchase scripts to enjoy carnival games, Bingo, pie contests, team games, arts & crafts, Keiki Aloha Attire contest, music and much, much more.

October 15:

• Cross Country Golf, Holani Hale, Papa‘au‘hau. 8 a.m. to noon Tee Time. Shot Gun start eighteen (9) holes, three clubs, and nine (9) golf balls, shirt, shoes. 2016 Festivals of Aloha ribbon required. Awards to be presented at the Hō‘ike Night. Call Francis Sinenci at: 281-2730 or email: [email protected]
• Hō‘ike Night. A special evening of Hawaiian entertainment, food, culture and Hula, Dean Estocado Memorial Poke contest, Hana Herb Pohole Contest and Kahanu Garden’s ‘Ulu Cookoff. 6pm – Hālau Nā Kaulakuhikuhi and kumu hula Kaui Kanakaole, 7 p.m. Kuaola and 8 p.m. Jimmy Mac and the Cool Cats.  Hāna Ball park, 6 to 10 p.m., Food Concession provided by Hāna Community Endowment Fund

Oct. 10th – 14th:

National Tropical Botanical Garden, For Festivals of Aloha ribbon holders, Kahanu Garden is offering a free unguided-tour during the week from Oct. 10-14. For more information, go to www.ntbg.org or call (808) 248-8912.

*Travaasa Hana: Cultural activities normally held exclusively for hotel guests will be open to everyone wearing a 2016 Festivals of Aloha ribbon. Activities will be decided on that day. Contact the hotel at 248-8211 for more information.