Join the festivities as WCC and the Kāne‘ohe Business Group celebrate the 16th Annual Windward Ho‘olaule‘a.
The free, family-friendly festival takes place Saturday, Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on WCC’s Great Lawn.
The homegrown celebration will feature the sounds of Brother Noland & Friends, Jerry Santos, Kamuela Kimokeo and other top island entertainment; hula performances by Chinky Mahoe’s Merrie Monarch award-winning hālau; ‘ono food; keiki rides and activities; art exhibits; a college-sponsored silent auction; and educational and community displays.
Windward Ho‘olaule‘a is coordinated by the Kāne‘ohe Business Group and WCC and supported by community sponsors. Proceeds will fund scholarships for WCC students.
Last year, more than 20 deserving WCC students were awarded $1,000 to attend the college.
Hula o Kawaili‘ula – Courtesy Chinky Mahoe
The event emphasizes Hawaiian culture in all of its aspects and the relationship between WCC, the community and local businesses.
“We like to highlight the community partnerships between the businesses of the Windward side and the education opportunities at Windward Community College,” said event chair Bonnie Beatson. “The most rewarding thing is to see lives change with scholarships going to those who cannot afford to go to college and now can pursue their dreams.”
WCC will showcase many programs and clubs offered on its campus, such as Gallery ‘Iolani, which will exhibit the work from two emerging art programs at WCC—Hawaiian woodcarving and Atelier Hawai‘i.
The Nursing Pathway program will offer pressure readings and awareness of breast cancer as well as nutritional “Back to the ‘Aina” demonstrations from the nursing garden.
The Botany Club will sell medicinal and nutritional plants, and agripharmtech students will give tours of the medicinal garden. There will also be family-friendly activities provided by the Chemistry Club, the Marine Option Program and PaCES, Veterinary Technology and the Ocean Education Academy.
WCC will also host a silent auction with items donated by the community and vendors such as hotel stays,
Hawaiian art and jewelry and Kualoa Ranch adventures. Proceeds from the auction will support the academic support services for students at WCC. Auction bidding will close at 5 p.m. at Hale ‘Ākoakoa.
Walgreens will offer flu shots (bring your insurance card). And the Blue Zones Project will celebrate its first anniversary in Ko‘olaupoko with healthy food demonstrations, art spinning, a “wine at 5” tasting and other activities promoting well-being.
Food will be provided by WCC’s Uala Leaf Café, Uncle Lani’s Poi Mochi, Pacifico Pizza, Hawaiian Plate by GP Hawaiian Foods and many more. Each vendor will offer a Blue Zones Project-inspired healthy dish option.
Visit windwardhoolaulea.com or contact event chair Bonnie Beatson at 235-7374 for more information or to donate to the silent auction.
by Deborah Higa, Ka ‘Ohana Editor In Chief
Ho‘olaule‘a Entertainment Schedule
10 a.m. – Opening oli and hula by WCC Hawaiian Studies students
10-11 a.m. – Kahalu‘u ‘Ukulele Band (up and coming ‘uke youngsters)
11-12 p.m. – Pila Nahenahe (with slack key master Ron Loo)
12-1 p.m. – Hawai‘i Loa (traditional Hawaiian with steel guitar)
1-2 p.m. – Mapuana DeSilva halau hula (pending)
2-3 p.m. – Teresa Bright (sweet-sounding Mistress of Hawaiian music)
3-4 p.m. – Jerry Santos & Kamuela Kimokeo (Classic contemporary Hawaiian)
4-5 p.m. – Chinky Mahoe‘s Halau Hula o Kawaili‘ula (Merrie Monarch award-winners)
5-6 p.m. – Hawaiian Soul (High energy R&B)
6-7 p.m. – Weldon Kekauoha (Hawaiian contemporary and traditional master)
7-8 p.m. – Brother Noland (Father of Jawaiian music)