KILAUEA — The North Shore community gathered this past weekend to celebrated the 10th annual Kilauea Christmas Concert.
What once began as a small music gathering of family and friends in a Kilauea back yard has now evolved into the most anticipated holiday gathering on the North Shore.
Since 2015, the nonprofit Kaulana Kilauea has organized the free community-driven concert to celebrate the holiday spirit. On Saturday, it drew more than 600 community members to Kilauea Park.
“I love coming to Kauai and participating in Kilauea Christmas because of the tight-knit community,” said musician Hoku Zuttermeister. “Watching how the event has evolved over the years makes me feel like part of the ohana.”
This year, concertgoers enjoyed live music performed by Eric Lee, Moon Kauakahi, and Hiipoi &Ohana, with a hula performed by a group of Kilauea children under the direction of Kumu Hula Lihau Paik.
“I realized that this is the first time that I’m playing for my kids while they’re performing and my wife is their kumu,” said Kellen Paik Founder of Kaulana Kilauea.
“It’s really come full circle,” he said.
Food at the event was locally sourced by Waipa Foundation, Kilauea Noodle Company and 808 Hammer Baseball Club. Kilauea Christmas was also made possible with help from sponsors and the Kauai North Shore Lions Club, whose members assisted with parking and offered free coffee and cocoa.
Kaulana Kilauea is able to keep the event free due to the many volunteers and sponsors that continue to contribute. This year’s sponsors included: Waipa Foundation, Grand Pacific Resorts, Mokihana Pest Control, Gather Federal Credit Union, Bank of Hawaii, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, Hookele Strategies, Allstate Insurance, the Donovan Gardner Agency, Kilauea Japanese Association, Puahina and the Malie Foundation.
To learn more about Kaulana Kilauea and its upcoming projects, visit kaulanakilauea.org.
