We are thrilled to announce the return of the Lonoikamakahiki Festival this year at Kapiʻolani Community College! It’s been too long since we celebrated this important season honoring the natural world and our ancestors’ traditions. Please share this message with your students, departments, and programs.
Event Details:
Date: Friday, November 1st
Time: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Makahiapo
Join us for a day filled with ceremony, Hawaiian games, food, live music, and cultural workshops.
What is Makahiki? It’s the annual celebration of Lono, associated with the rains and abundance that support life in Hawaiʻi. During this season, we honor water as the foundation of life, promoting growth and the natural order.
We’ll kick off the festival at 8:00 AM with a traditional ceremony featuring the Akua Loa (Image of Lono) and offerings. We invite everyone to participate by bringing a hoʻokupu (gift) made from organic materials—like freshwater, plants, or biodegradable leis. If you’re interested in offering an ʻoli or hula, please reach out to Kohlby Soong at kohlbys@hawaii.edu.
After the ceremony, join us for the Makahiki Games from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM. These traditional games will test skills and endurance, accompanied by cultural workshops, lunch, and live Hawaiian music. Workshops will include activities like Lei Kūpeʻe, ʻApu + ʻAwa, Hawaiian Art, and Lomilomi.
We encourage faculty and staff to get involved, celebrate, and volunteer for the games. This festival is for our entire campus community, especially our haumāna!
For questions or to get involved, please contact the Title III Kūloaʻa Advancing Indigenous Innovators Team at kuloaa@hawaii.edu.