Hawaiʻi’s heritage, conservation efforts celebrated at annual ʻIkuwā Festival in Hilo

Community members gathered on the lawns of ʻImiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo
on Sunday to celebrate the annual ʻIkuwā Festival, a cultural celebration of connection to land, sea, and sky.

According to a press release about the the day-long free festival, the event was hosted by ʻImiloa in partnership with community groups Lonoa Honua and ʻOhana Waʻa and over 1,000 people turned out.

“We are so grateful to see our community come together at ʻImiloa for this meaningful event,” said ʻImiloa Executive Director, Kaʻiu Kimura in a statement.

“The ʻIkuwā Festival strengthens our understanding of our interdependence with the environment, from the mountains to the sea, and honors the voices of the past
and present.”

This year’s theme, “Hoʻōla Lāhui Manu: Who is Your Flock?” highlighted the importance of honoring and protecting Hawaiʻi’s native bird species. These manu (birds) hold significant ecological and cultural roles in Hawaiian life, from guiding navigators to symbolizing cherished values in Hawaiian traditions.

Participants engaged in learning about the crucial efforts to safeguard endangered species, with presentations on conservation efforts and the role of birds in maintaining the balance of Hawaiʻi’s delicate ecosystem.

“The ʻIkuwā season is a time of deep reflection, where the land speaks to us through the sounds of storms, the cries of birds, and the crash of waves,” shared Kekuhi Kealiʻikanakaʻoleohaililani, owner and creator of Lonoa Honua.

“Today, we embraced that resounding energy and reflected on the harmony of
living with the earth. From the waʻa to the manu, every element plays a role in our survival and our stories.”

Festival highlights included hula performances, storytelling sessions, and interactive cultural workshops. Community members participated in hands-on activities, including
traditional Hawaiian crafts, Makahiki games, and oli (chant) competitions. The day also featured local vendors, food stalls, and presentations on Hawaiian navigation and environmental stewardship.

“The canoe serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to each other and to the ʻāina,” said ʻOhana Waʻa Board Member, Pōmai Bertelmann.

“The shared experience of voyaging brings people together, and this festival is a reflection of that unity.”

The ʻIkuwā Festival was made possible by the generous support of the Ama OluKai Foundation and KS Kaiaulu.

The event concluded with the community departing with a renewed sense of mālama ʻāina (care for the land) and a deeper understanding of their role in protecting Hawaiʻi’s native birds and natural resources, the press release stated.