Historic Hawai‘i Foundation (HHF) is pleased to share news of an upcoming community celebration on Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Makawao, that brings history, culture, and community together. HHF—along with community partners—will host a free, family-friendly event at the Makawao Public Library and throughout Makawao Town to launch the new Makawao Story Map, an interactive digital platform that shares the rich stories, people, and places of Makawao and the surrounding area.  

Celebration Highlights:

• ✍️ Poetry Workshop with Hawai‘i State Poet Laureate (2023–2025), Brandy Nālani McDougall  (1:00-2:00pm at Makawao Library)
• 🎨 Keiki activities – fun for all ages
• 🎶 Live music by Benny Uyetake’s Kalama ‘Ukulele Band
• 🎬 Screening of Our Makawao – a short community film
•   Forest Birds – talk by Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project
• 🗺️ Virtual tour of the brand-new Makawao Story Map
• 🚶‍♀️ Self-guided Story Map Tours through historic Makawao Town
• 📣 Additional presentations & activities to be announced!

Full Event Schedule

• 10:00 a.m. – Welcome & Introduction to Historic Hawai‘i Foundation and Story Map Series – Kiersten Faulkner, Executive Director
• 10:15 a.m. – Virtual Tour of the Makawao Story Map – Cultural Surveys Hawai‘i
• 10:30 a.m. – Blessing & Mōʻike Aloha ʻĀina : Hāmākuapoko, Makawao – Loea W.S. Pūlama Collier
• 11:05 a.m. – “Our Makawao” Film Screening with introduction by Sunny Jordan, Makawao History Museum Trustee
• 11:35 a.m. – Paniolo & Ranching History – TBA
• 12:00 p.m. – Music Performance by Benny Uyetake’s Kalama ‘Ukulele Band
• 12:30 p.m. –Native Birds & Makawao Forest Geography – Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project
• 1:00 p.m. – Poetry Workshop: Reflections on Makawao Stories, Cultures & Community – Brandi Nālani McDougall

Additional Activities (10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.):

• Self-Guided Story Map Town Tours – Makawao History Museum Board
• Makawao-Themed Book Displays – Makawao Library Staff
• Keiki Crafts & Origami Peace Cranes – Makawao Library Staff
• Explore the Story Map at Library Computer Stations – Makawao Library Staff

The celebration will feature live presentations, including: Mōʻike Aloha ʻĀina Hāmākuapoko, Makawao with Loea W.S. Pūlama Collier; music; keiki activities; and a poetry workshop led by Hawai‘i Poet Laureate Brandi Nālani McDougall.

Full details are included in the press release below. Flyer and event schedule are attached. We invite you to join us in celebrating Makawao’s heritage and the community that keeps these stories alive.