On October 7, Windward Community College will host the 17th annual Windward Ho‘olaule‘a, dubbed “A Homegrown Celebration,” from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the Great Lawn of campus.
The free, family-friendly festival, co-sponsored by WCC and the Kāne‘ohe Business Group, is expected to attract more than 10,000 people.
It will feature top island entertainment, arts and crafts, ethnic food, keiki rides and activities, an art exhibit, Imaginarium show, silent auction, and educational cultural demonstrations and community displays.
“Windward Ho‘olaule‘a has become one of our biggest community events on the Windward side, with something for the whole family,” says event chair Bonnie Beatson. “We’re very grateful for the tremendous community support of this event, highlighting the talent and businesses of the Windward side as well as the educational opportunities at Windward CC.”
Nā Hōkū Hanohano winners Ho‘okena, Kawika Kahiapo, Kapena and Merrie Monarch award-winning hula from Chinky Mahoe will headline the entertainment.
The line-up also includes Jerry Santos and Kamuela Kimokeo, rising teen rock band EMKE and a tribute to the legacy of Eldean Kukahiko’s Kahalu‘u Elementary School ‘Ukulele Band.
The event will also showcase displays that celebrate higher education on the Windward side, such as the Marine Option Program and PaCES gyotaku fish printing, math and engineering activities, a medicinal/nutritional plant sale by Botany Club members, tours of the campus medicinal garden by agripharmatech students, veterinary technology student activities for pet owners, rocketry activities for keiki, as well as activities from Career and Community Education, Service-Learning, language arts and theatre, and information about college and career planning.
There will also be a silent auction in Hale ‘Ākoakoa with a chance to win an oceanview hotel stay at the Double Tree by Hilton Alana Waikiki, performing arts theatre tickets, Hawaiian art, fine jewelry, restaurant gift certificates and other items.
Proceeds from the auction will go to Windward Community College’s Scholarship Endowment Fund and Student Affairs programs.
Food options this year will include Uncle Lani’s Poi Mochi, Erin’s Shave Ice, Hawaiian plates, Olay’s Thai food, Hawaiian Honey Cones and WCC’s very own Uala Leaf Cafe.
Gallery ‘Iolani will showcase Raku Ho‘olaule‘a, an exhibition of work from 37 potters and ceramic masters who participated in the Hawai‘i Craftsmen’s 41st annual Raku Ho‘olaule‘a at Camp Mokulē‘ia this past May. The exhibit is free to the public and open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will also be a $5 family-friendly Imaginarium Show in Hale Hōkūlani at 11 a.m. with first come, first serve seating.
For more information about this yearʻs Ho‘olaule‘a, go to windwardhoolaulea.com or contact event chair Bonnie Beatson at 235-7374.
Ho‘olaule‘a Entertainment Schedule
10:00 a.m. – WCC Hawaiian Studies students
10:15 a.m. – Kahalu‘u ‘Ukulele Band (up and coming
‘uke youngsters)
11:15 a.m. – Air Force Pacific “Small Kine” Band
12:15 p.m. – Pila Nahenahe / Hawai‘i Loa
1:15 p.m. – Jerry Santos and Kamuela Kimokeo
2:15 p.m. – Ka‘ala Carmack and Friends
3:15 p.m. – Kawika Kahiapo
4:15 p.m. – EMKE (rising teen rock sensation)
5:15 p.m. – Chinky Mahoe’s Halau Hula o
Kawaili‘ula (Merrie Monarch winners!)
6:15 p.m. – Ho‘okena
7:15 p.m. – Kapena
by Leighland Tagawa, Ka ‘Ohana Co-Editor in Chief
