40th Annual Ho`oku`ikahi Establishment Day
Be transported to a time of warriors, human sacrifice, chicken-skin inducing chanting, and glorious dance and ceremonies of the Native Hawaiians.
The Pelekane, or royal courtyard located near the beach below Pu`ukohola Heiau, will hold a cultural celebration this weekend.
The theme of ho`oku`ikahi focuses on reconciling, reuniting and “unifying as one.”
Native crafts, music, dance, double-hulled canoe rides, cultural demonstrations, lessons and more will be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
The P`u`ukohola Heiau was a sacrificial temple dedicated to the war god Kuka`ilomoku. This site is where King Kamehameha the Great fulfilled a prophecy that foretold of his rule over all islands.
King Kamehameha defeated Ka`u Chief Keoua on Pelekane Beach, and ultimately unified the islands under one rule.
Thousands of people labored and completed the structure in less than a year in 1791. The significance of this site is undeniable; in 1962, the site was declared a National Historic Landmark.
Attendees can taste traditional foods, learn how to plait fronds, quilt, make leis, weave lauhala, pound poi and tapa and make an ipu, or gourd, among other activities.
A warrior exhibition and royal court ceremony will take place from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday only. Make sure to apply sunscreen liberally, wear comfortable clothes and bring the camera.
For more information, call 882-7218 or visit www.nps.gov/puhe/2012festival.htm.
The Pu`ukohola Heiau, or “Temple on the Hill of the Whale,” is located at 62-3601 Kawaihae Road in Kawaihae.