The 2014 Na Makua Invitational Christmas Gift Fair will be held on Friday, Dec. 5, from 4-9 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo. This free annual event, with over 80 vendors from the Big Island as well as Kauai, Maui and Oahu, invites you to join the company of some of Hawaii’s best artists and producers of fine handmade arts, crafts and gifts for Christmas.
The 2014 Na Makua Invitational Christmas Gift Fair will be held on Friday, Dec. 5, from 4-9 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo. This free annual event, with over 80 vendors from the Big Island as well as Kauai, Maui and Oahu, invites you to join the company of some of Hawaii’s best artists and producers of fine handmade arts, crafts and gifts for Christmas.
Producers Nelson and Kainoa Makua of Na Makua Hawaiian Designs, have culminated a collection of unique gift items such as jewelry, custom ukuleles, Christmas decorations, bags and totes, apparel, local wood products, foods and snacks, and many more one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. They will include fashions by local designers, WahineToa, Hawaiian Force, Kealopiko, Punawai, Simply Sisters, Living Hula and Na Makua.
Nelson Makua, who is also the director of the Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair, along with his son and co-producer, Kainoa Makua, brings the same high quality to their Christmas Gift Fair. Makua says, “We have always believed that it is the vendors and the quality of their products who make the event and we’ve been really fortunate to have some of the best in Hawaii at our events.”
“We’ve added some new features to this year’s fair,” said Makua. “We are excited to have Liko Lehua Cafe in our food concession. They will be serving their ono Hawaiian plate along with select menu items.” Liko Lehua Cafe is a local family-run business known for delicious flavored butters using only locally sourced products and natural, fresh ingredients.
The Na Makua Christmas Fair will also offer free great musical entertainment, including Kahulanui, Kuana Torres Kahele and Aunty Diana Aki. Also performing will be Pi’ilani Ka’awaloa with her halau ‘Ohu‘chukka‘auikalikolehua, Kyra Gomes, Ha’a Aiona and the students of Ke Kula Nawahiokalaniopu’u. Desiree Moana Cruz will host as emcee. There will also be drawings for prizes every half hour.
“Every year we strive to make our event the best that it can be” said Makua. “We’re always looking for ways to improve it and make it more enjoyable.”
“The best part is that this is a free event, so we invite you to bring the entire ohana.” For more information, contact 966-4647 or puna@namakua.com.