Pu'u Honua O Honaunau Cultural Festival Hana Hou!

When I lived in Japan teaching English, I would frequently do a self introduction to new students that included pictures of back home. The picture that I thought best represented the beauty of the Big Island (and most captivated me) was the one of Pu'u Honua O Honaunau (City of Refuge). I've written about it here in the past a few times- both about the park itself and the nearby 1871 Trail.

Last year, thanks to my friend Megan's recommendation, Ry & I checked out the park's annual Cultural Festival. And needless to say, my love affair continues unabated. Because it was...amazing. I swore we would attend every year as long as Ryan wanted to. It's the one time a year I can guarantee that my son will be exposed to ancient Hawaiian culture- music, dance, work, art, language, etc. It's extremely well organized, well staffed (the volunteers are the heart and soul of the event) and educational.

Here are a few pictures from last year's festivities-

Canoe riding

Singing and dancing with kala'au (hula sticks)

Playing ulumaika (rolling a stone between the two sticks)

He's wearing a jacket made of banana leaves!

Sampling kava from a coconut shell

Pounding poi

Making his first ipu (a gourd)

This year Ry and I returned for a second round of fun. We made sure to revisit a few of Ryan's favorite activities from last year, as well as tried a few new ones-

Last year he was wearing banana leaves, this year it was ha'o leaves!

Last year he was too young to paddle (he'd just turned 4), this year he got to! He was thrilled!

The best part of the day, watching a half dozen dolphins splash about a hundred yards away from our canoe.

Making his ipu (we gave last year's to Grandma Janice, who had always wanted one)

Making a little 'carrier' for his ipu

Completed thanks to help from Aunty Miho!

Cute keiki wearing malos by the fish pond

Pounding poi (that we both inhaled right after, straight from the board to our mouths)! A few visitors sitting near us were both impressed and horrified.

Learning to throw a fish net

Playing and making a ka'eke'eke instrument (used for processionals of royalty)

Pounding tapa (a plant leaf) to make cloth

This 2-day festival is so fascinating (for visitors and locals alike) that I would highly recommend timing a trip to the island just to be able to take part in it. There were a few other things you could do that we skipped due to Ryan's agility/lack of interest- like weaving a haku lei (head lei) or making a lauhala bracelet or Hawaiian flute (this one is first on our list for next year). :-)

Ryan and I offer up huge mahalos to the event organizers and volunteers who have chosen to help preserve, spread and honor Hawai'iana...