On Saturday, Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., WCC’s Great Lawn will be taken over by the 18th annual Ho’olaule’a. This proud Kāne‘ohe tradition of food, family and culture will celebrate the theme of Hawaiian traditions this year. Admission is free and open to the public.
“Windward Hoʻolauleʻa is the homegrown celebration that brings people together on our beautiful campus … with a full day of amazing island entertainment,” said event chair Bonnie Beatson.
Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning band Keauhou will share its passion for the preservation and perpetuation of traditional Hawaiian music. There will also be performances by Maunalua, Pomaika‘i Keawe Lyman, Hi‘ikua, Beat-Lele, Chinky Mahoe’s Hula Halau O Kawaili‘ula and others.
The event is expected to draw more than 10,000 people with games, rides and food as well as an art gallery exhibit, car show and Imaginarium show. Ho‘olaule‘a not only serves as an opportunity to have fun and get the family together, but also as a chance to embrace and show off the many things WCC and Kāne‘ohe have to offer.
WCC’s own ‘Iolani Woodcarvers will do a series of tours and demonstrations of their artwork and creations and how these tools and traditions are at the backbone of Hawaiian culture.
“Though important, it is not just the act of building the tool, it’s understanding why a certain process is used or a particular material is utilized and building the connection between the act of making the tool and the significance of what it is being used for,” said woodcarver Kamuela Bishaw-Tangaro.
The woodcarvers will present an array of Hawaiian art made from shells, teeth, fiber and at times very rare bones and wood. They will even give people an opportunity to ride a traditional Hawaiian holua or sled.
Artist Trisha Allen will showcase and sell jewelry inspired by Polynesian tattoos. Wendy Mow-Taira will host the annual silent auction, which includes ‘ukuleles donated by the Kanile‘a ‘Ukulele company.
For the past 18 years, the Kāne‘ohe Business Group has partnered with WCC to coordinate the festival though it will be ending its partnership this year. However, during those 18 years, proceeds from the event have led to more than 275 scholarships and over $30,000 in funds supporting WCC programs, greatly touching many lives and improving the community.
“The Kāne‘ohe Business Group (KBG) can take pride in the great success of this event … we would like to extend a big mahalo to the KBG for their phenomenal support of this event over the years,” Beatson said.
by Rick Oania-Elam, Ka ‘Ohana Staff Reporter
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