LIHU‘E — More than 40 different events are slated for Na Lima Hana Festival, organized to perpetuate Hawai‘i’s cultural traditions and health practices, a press release states. Set for Oct. 21 through Oct. 23 at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort
LIHU‘E — More than 40 different events are slated for Na Lima Hana Festival, organized to perpetuate Hawai‘i’s cultural traditions and health practices, a press release states.
Set for Oct. 21 through Oct. 23 at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa in Po‘ipu, this series of cultural demonstrations and teaching sessions replaces the former Hawaiiana and Malama Ola Festivals.
The Na Lima Hana Festival presents a multitude of Hawaiian arts, cultural health practices and time-honored traditions in an interactive learning environment, the release states.
Hawaiian foods, crafts and entertainment are also included in the line-up of activities. Many of the demonstrations and educational sessions invite attendees to participate as part of a hands-on learning experience, hence, the name, Na Lima Hana.
On Thursday, Oct. 21, there will be a series of health-oriented fitness opportunities at the resort’s Anara Spa, plus a class in hula aerobics at the Grand Promenade. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. there will be an arts and crafts fair at the ‘Ilima Foyer, providing opportunities to learn about Hawaiian customs and local crafts. The evening includes a traditional lu‘au at the resort.
Friday, Oct. 22 begins with the ‘awa ceremony at 7 a.m. This ceremony surrounds ancient Polynesian traditions associated with the ‘awa root. Throughout the morning and early afternoon, more fitness classes, the Aloha Week Royal Court, and a series of health-oriented and Native Hawaiian cultural traditions will be demonstrated. Also, a half day of hands-on Native Hawaiian cultural demonstrations will take place as part of the annual Hawai‘i Hotel and Lodging Association Kaua‘i chapter conference. During the conference, eight work stations and “talk-story” sessions will be set up to teach a variety of Native Hawaiian customs. Throughout most of the day a Hawaiian-foods buffet will be served up in the same area as the demonstrations featuring many traditional local foods.
On Saturday, Oct. 23, Na Lima Hana Festival presents a full day of cultural demonstrations such as salt-making, poi-pounding, lauhala-weaving, kapa-making, playing the nose flute and the art of kakau (tattoo).
In addition, health-related sessions on Native Hawaiian medicinal plants, detoxification, “egoscue,” lomilomi (massage) and discussions on petroglyphs are scheduled.
The day starts off with taiko drummers in the open-air lobby area. Saturday evening wraps up Na Lima Hana Festival with a male hula performance by Na Kane o Keoneloa Pa Hula, under kumu hula Charles Kaupu. All events are open to the public with most activities free of charge. Events are subject to change.
For more information call Stella Burgess at 240-6369.
