Nearly 1,000 participate in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park’s Kahuku Cultural Festival

Locals, keiki, kūpuna and visitors all came to the Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park in Kaʻū on Saturday to listen to Hawaiian music, enjoy hula, try Hawaiian crafts and practices and learn about native plants and animals.

Good weather brought sunshine, a welcome cloud cover at times and a light breeze that kept everyone cool during Saturday’s festival which started at 10 a.m. and ended at 3 p.m.

In attendance were 985 people, many of whom made lauhala bracelets, or twisted a lei from tī leaves, played Hawaiian games and enjoyed ono kine grindz on the festival grounds with their loved ones.

“Kahuku is a place of tranquil natural beauty and rich history that most visitors and even locals don’t know about,” said Park Superintendent Rhonda Loh.

“It was heartwarming to see old friends and new faces. Mahalo to everyone who spent their day with us, and especially to our park staff, volunteers and partners who worked hard to make the cultural festival happen.”