Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site will celebrate its 53rd anniversary Establishment Day, “Hoʻokūʻikahi”, Hawaiian Cultural Festival on August 16 and August 17, 2025.
The festivities will kick off with a hoʻokupu (gift-giving) ceremony. Followed by various informational booths and demonstrations showcasing traditional Hawaiian arts and crafts. Activities include ulana lauhala (lauhala weaving), canoe rides, kuiki (quilting), Hawaiian games, lei haku and lei wili (different styles of lei-making), ulana niu (coconut frond weaving), kapa making, hulu aliʻi (chiefly featherwork), kaula (cordage), live Hawaiian mele (music), and much more!
Activities will resume the next day with traditional Hawaiian mele and pule (prayer).
This year’s theme is “Ke Kulana Noʻeau o ka wa Kahiko,” with a sub-theme of “Eia ke ao, ka lau, la loa, ka muʻo, ka hoʻoilina,” which translates to “Here is the present, the future, the everlasting, the continuous growth, the legacy.”
Due to significant flooding and damage that occurred in Kawaihae in May 2024, the information booths and various demonstrations will be held at the County Spencer Beach Park at ‘Ohaiʻula
For more information call 808-882-7218 ext. 1101 or visit www.nps.gov/puhe.
Photo credit: National Park Service
