Bust out the coolers and beach chairs, load the family in the car and drive on over to Kāne‘ohe, it’s time for the 15th annual Windward Community College Ho´olaule´a.
On Saturday, Oct. 3, WCC will once again roll out the welcome wagon. If you enjoy local entertainment, ´ono food, a variety of arts and crafts, and family oriented activities, then WCC is the place to be.
Windward Ho‘olaule‘a is the largest annual event on the Windward side of O‘ahu drawing up to 15,000 people island wide.
The free, family-friendly festival will feature the sounds of Kapena, Jerry Santos, Hi‘ikua and other top island entertainment; hula dancers; art exhibits; keiki rides and activities; educational and community displays; local kine grinds; shopping; a college-sponsored silent auction and much more.
There will be special Imaginarium shows. Show times are: 10 a.m., “One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure” (a Sesame Street production); 11 a.m., “Flying Monsters” (debut of new full-dome show about flying dinosaurs); 12 p.m., “Flying Monsters” (hosted by Sir David Attenborough).
The WCC silent auction will close biding at 5 p.m. at Hale ´Ākoakoa.
Gallery ´Iolani will be open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. with “Revealed, the Myth of Disability.” The exhibit features works from 20 inspiring artists, and admission is free.
“It’s a great day for the whole family,” said event chair Bonnie Beatson in a news release. “We like to highlight the community partnerships between the businesses of the Windward side and the educational opportunities at Windward Community College.”
Windward Ho‘olaule‘a is coordinated by the Kaneohe Business Group and Windward Community College. Proceeds will fund scholarships for WCC students. Last year, more than 20 deserving WCC students—many who are Native Hawaiian—were awarded scholarships to attend the college.
“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,” said Beatson.
If you are interested in learning about WCC and attending classes, student and staff-sponsored booths are available with educational displays from each department to help guide you on your way.
Flagship sponsors of the event are Hawaiian Electric Co., Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Ameron Hawai‘i and The Blue Zone Project.
So mark your calendars and tell your friends. Come spend a fun-filled day and feel the aloha at the Windward Ho´olaule´a.
For more information visit www.windwardhoolaulea.com.
by Patrick Hascall, Ka ‘Ohana Staff Reporter
Ho‘olaule‘a schedule of entertainment 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- 10 a.m. –WCC Hawaiian Studies students
- 10 – 11 a.m –Kahalu‘u ‘Ukulele Band
- 11 – 12 p.m. –U.S.A.F. “Small Kine” Band
- 12 – 1 p.m. –Abrigo ‘Ohana
- 1 – 2 p.m. –Pila Nahenahe
- 2 – 3 p.m. –Hawai‘i Loa
- 3 – 4 p.m. –Jerry Santos & Kamuela Kimokeo
- 4 – 5 p.m. –Chinky Mahoe’s Halau Hula o Kawaili‘ula
- 5 – 6 p.m. –Hawaiian Soul
- 6 – 7 p.m. –Hi‘ikua
- 7 – 8 p.m. –Kapena
