The 10th anniversary of the Na Makua Invitational Christmas Gift Fair, featuring a wide selection of handmade products and gifts for the holiday, will be Dec. 1-2 at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.
The hours for Dec. 1 (Friday) are 1-6 p.m.; the hours for Dec. 2 (Saturday) are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free.
Nelson and Kainoa Makua of Na Makua Designs are the producers of this annual event.
“We are always looking for products that make great Christmas gifts,” Nelson Makua said. “We look for the unique and creative — gifts you can’t find anywhere else.”
Nelson Makua, who also is the director of the Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair, brings the same high standards to their Christmas fair in selecting the vendors who will participate.
“There are so many talented artisans and producers on Hawaii Island and we wanted to provide a venue for them to showcase their art and products,” he said. “We also have vendors who fly in from Kauai, Oahu, Maui and Molokai to participate in our event.”
One of the highlights of the Na Makua fair is the collection of fashion designers such as Wahine Toa, Simply Sisters, Living Hula, Wehi Designs and Na Makua, along with accessories such as jewelry and bags.
Attendees also will find homemade cookies and food items, body care products, art and woodwork, and an array of other great gifts for Christmas.
The live entertainment lineup includes Darlene Ahuna, Lito Arkangel, Christy Lassiter, Komakakino, Punana Leo o Hilo, Ke Kula ‘o Nawahiokalani‘opu‘u, Ka Haka ‘Ula ‘O Ke‘elikolani, Halau Ola o Na Mamo, Halau Hula ‘Ohu‘ohukea‘auikalikolehua and emcee Ku‘ehu Mauga.
There also will be drawings for prizes and ‘ono food by Liko Lehua Cafe and other food vendors.
One of the changes in this year’s event is the Friday, Dec. 1, hours.
“We wanted to try something a little different this year, making it (Friday) a daytime event where as previously Friday was an evening event,” Makua said.
For more information call 966-4647 or www.namakua.com.