Kohala ‘Āina Festival to be Held at Inhabit Farms

.The 7th Annual Kohala ‘Āina Festival, presented by the Hawai‘i Institute of Pacific Agriculture, will be held on Nov. 12, 2016, from 1 to 10 p.m. on the makai lands of the historic Halawa ahupua‘a in Kapa‘au, North Kohala, at Inhabit Farms in Kapa‘au.

Live music, local, organic food, educational workshops, keiki activities and, Hawaiian culture and permaculture presentations will be held throughout the day, beginning at 12:30 p.m.

This festival honors the Hawaiian tradition of makahiki season and the rich agricultural heritage of the moku (district) of Kohala.

With a celebration of local harvest, farmers and the growing movement for islandwide food sovereignty, this is an educational event designed to inspire more involvement in growing Hawai‘i’s vibrant local food system.

Kohala ‘Āina Festival is a part of HIP Agriculture’s annual fundraising campaign for supporting residential farmer training and youth education programs in Hawai’i. All of the proceeds raised support local youth education programs, residential farmer trainings and community education projects islandwide.

Entertainment will be offered from 8:30 to 10 p.m.

Live music includes: Nahko and Medicine for the People, a nationally renowned folk/rock singer with Hawai‘i Island roots; Hawai‘i’s own Paula Fuga; OKA, an Australian-based group whose music influences include spanning house, big beat, reggae-dub, roots, jazz and world music; Hawane Rios; Paul Izak; Tubby Love; Hualalai; and Ka’ahele, in addition to other local artists.

A collection of the Big Island’s most talented artists will also offer African drumming and dance performances by Lavaroots, fire dancing by IgKnight Fire Tribe and circus performances by Cirque Ohana.

There will also be an opportunity to participate in yoga led by Kelly Stern.

This year, Kohala ‘Āina Festival will offer an expanded collection of educational workshops and Hawaiian cultural components, including a Hawaiian Cultural Village, featuring poi board making with Daniel Anthony, an O‘ahu-based mahi‘ai and food sovereignty champion.

The festival will also be joined by kalo and biodiversity expert Jerry Konanui, as well as respected members of HiP Agriculture’s advisory board, including Chef Donna Maltz, who will offer a “Soil to Soul Effervescent Fermentation” presentation. Further permaculture educational offerings include beekeeping, bamboo building, seed preservation, and mushroom permaculture.

Further permaculture educational offerings include beekeeping, bamboo building, seed preservation and mushroom permaculture.

Attendees can participate in workshops and visit informational tents throughout the day to learn about and discuss critical issues facing today’s farmers.

Also new to the festival this year is the Keiki Zone, which will feature a variety of activities and workshops throughout the day.

With the support of the North Kohala Public Library, The Blue Zones Project, and Tutu & Me, keiki will be able to enjoy storytelling, circus shows, scavenger hunts, art and crafts, cooking demos and more.

There will also be a bounce house on site.

Food will be available for purchase from locally sourced, organic food and beverage vendors.

This year HIP Agriculture is working with local food vendors to offer a variety of food, beverages and frozen treats.

Vendors from all over the Big Island will sell organic, locally-sourced, high-vibration meals for your daily dose of farm-fresh medicine.

Hawi’s Kava Kafe will pour HiP Agriculture’s farm-grown awa.

The Niu Lani Coco Bar’s fresh coconuts will also be available.

Tickets, $45 in advance and $50 at the gate, include all entertainment and educational workshops.

Children 12 and under are admitted for free.

Tickets can be purchased online  or by calling Brown Paper Tickets at 1-800-838-3006.

Paper ticket locations listed at www.hipagriculture.org/events/kohalaaina under the “Ticketing” tab.

Donations are tax-deductible through the Hawai‘i Institute of Pacific Agriculture.

Inhabit Farms is located at 53-4223 Pratt Road in Kapa‘au.

Learn more at www.hipagriculture.org/events/kohalaaina.