Hawaii Institute of Pacific Agriculture invites everyone to the eighth annual ‘Aina Fest from 1-10 p.m. Nov. 4 on the makai lands of the historic Halawa ahupua‘a in Kapa‘au.
Hawaii Institute of Pacific Agriculture invites everyone to the eighth annual ‘Aina Fest from 1-10 p.m. Nov. 4 on the makai lands of the historic Halawa ahupua‘a in Kapa‘au.
A lineup of renowned musicians includes reggae star Mike Love, slack-key guitar legend Makana, Latin gypsy funk band Leche De Tigre, Kona-based duo Nowelo with a nine-piece blues hip-hop band featuring Ann Hoku Lyn and Reggie Griffin, Tubby Love &Amber Lily, Paul Izak, Hope Medford and many more.
Food and drink will be available for purchase from locally sourced organic food and beverage vendors.
‘Aina Fest 2017 is offering an expanded collection of Hawaiian cultural components, including traditional Hawaiian blessings by kumu Lanakila Mangauil, makahiki games coordinated by kumu Kiteya Belford-Smith and his Kanu O Ka ‘Aina students, poi pounding, lei making, ceremonial fire and more.
There also will be four yoga classes offered throughout the day by Kalani Honua’s Hawaii Yoga Festival teachers, a live painting demonstration by artist Robyn Chance, fire dancing and aerial circus arts by IgKnight Fire Tribe &Cirque ‘Ohana, hula performances by two different halau and a performance by Lavaroots dance company accompanied by African drumming by the Kissidugu Allstars.
Also new to the festival will be hands-on, land-based educational pre-festival workshops Nov. 1-3, including natural building and lashing, bamboo building with Bobby Grimes and permaculture planting with Paul Izak and Craig Capomaggi. Workshops are free of charge and participants must purchase a pre-sale ‘Aina Fest ticket. For more details and to RSVP, visit hipagriculture.org/aina-fest/2017/pre-fest workshops.
The Keiki Zone returns, offering engaging and fun activities for kids of all ages.
No alcohol will be served at the event.
The festival honors the Hawaiian tradition of makahiki season and the rich agricultural heritage of the moku (district) of Kohala. A celebration of local harvest, farmers and the growing movement for islandwide food security and sovereignty, ‘Aina Fest is an educational event designed to inspire more involvement in growing Hawaii’s vibrant food system.
All festival proceeds directly fund HIP Agriculture’s educational programming, including residential farmer trainings, youth education and community events.
“HIP Ag is honored and excited to bring ‘Aina Fest to our community, elevating the consciousness of the island, supporting our local food economy and serving our community through education and empowerment,” said Justine Garcia, communications coordinator.
The festival takes place at the Inhabit Sanctuary and Retreat Center, 53-4223 Pratt Road. Gates open at 12:30 pm. Tickets are $45 in advance, $55 at the gate, $10 for youth ages 9-13 and free for keiki ages 8 and younger.
All entertainment, Keiki Zone activities and educational workshops are included with admission. To buy tickets, visit hipagriculture.org/aina-fest/2017.
For more information, contact festival coordinator Maya Parish at kohalaainafestival@gmail.com or visit www.hipagriculture.org.