Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is excited to announce a stellar lineup of local musicians, hula halau, Hawaiian games and crafts plus local exhibitors and vendors for the 39th annual Cultural Festival happening in Kahuku from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. The event is free.
Come and jam to Hawaiian and island-inspired music by renowned performers including Kenneth Makuakane, Russell Mauga and Da Kahuku Mauka Boyz, the Kipapa Sisters and Ke‘aiwa, and enjoy hula by Halau o Leionalani and LoriLei’s Hula Studio. Park Ranger Kekoa Rosehill will emcee.
Learn about paniolo history at an exhibit hosted by the Ka‘u Multicultural Society, throw a rope with the local 4-H Club, and expand your knowledge about Hawaiian medicinal plants with Momi Subiono. Make a ti leaf lei, ulana (weave) a lauhala keepsake with na wahine of ‘Aha Puhala o Puna, and test your skills at a variety of pa‘ani (Hawaiian games) led by park rangers.
Food and refreshments will be available for purchase, or visitors can pack a picnic. Vendors include Hawaiian food truck 4 Scoops of Aloha, and the Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘u will sell lunch plates. The Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will give away free ice shave minis and will sell the official 2023 festival T-shirt. The Hawaii Pacific Parks Association will assist visitors in the Kahuku park store.
Participants can learn more about local conservation and sustainability efforts at exhibit tents sponsored by organizations that include Birds Not Mosquitoes, Rapid ‘Ohi‘a Death (University of Hawaii Manoa), and the Hawaii Ulu Co-Op. Park staff will lead short walks to the Ka‘u agricultural field system.
The 39th annual Cultural Festival, with the theme of E Ho‘omau (to continue), will be a fun-filled, family-friendly day and is a drug- and alcohol-free event. Sunscreen and a hat are recommended. Bring water, rain jacket, and ground mat or chair. The cultural festival is co-sponsored by Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association.
Kahuku is located on the mauka side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5 in Ka‘u, a 50-minute drive south of the park’s main entrance.