Hawaiian Word of the Day: Ho‘olaule‘a

With thousands of people expected to attend Saturday’s Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival in Waimea on the Big Island, the Feb. 3 “Hawaiian Word of the Day” is ho‘olaule‘a.

It means celebration or festival.

A hoʻolauleʻa may consist of authentic hula dancing and music, foods, vendors and games.

Last week, the KWXX Ho‘olaule‘a returned for its 27th annual installment. The musical festival featured more than 20 bands participating on four stages.

On Hawaiʻi’s ninth island, also known as Las Vegas, there is an annual Prince Kūhiō Hoʻolauleʻa & Pacific Island Festival in the suburb of Henderson. It’s a two day event that includes authentic island food, handmade crafts, Polynesian villages, keiki zone (kids activities) and cultural entertainment.

On June 11 in Hawai‘i, a state holiday, there are many ho‘olule‘a around the state to celebrate and honor Kamehameha the Great, also known as Kamehameha the First, Kamehameha and King Kamehameha.

And on Kaua‘i, the upcoming Waimea Town Celebration will feature a two-day finale Ho‘olaule‘a on Feb. 24 and 25. It will be a huge block party featuring food booths, craft vendors, 22 hours off free entertainment and the Paradise Beverages/Koloa Rum Beer Garden.

Editor’s Note: Each day in February, we have a new “Hawaiian Word of the Day” during Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, Hawaiian Language Month. Check out the other words of the day on the Big Island website by clicking here.