Prince Kuhio Festival
All events at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort &Spa in Poipu unless otherwise indicated
Friday, March 22
9 a.m., e komo mai (join us) for the opening protocol honoring Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana‘ole, at 9 a.m., followed by a craft fair and silent auction until 3 p.m.
During that same time, Hawaiian cultural and art practices will be taught through hands-on sessions.
Kekai and Colleen Kapu will offer demonstrations of Hawaiian weapons, which will also be on display and for sale.
Kahea Niau will offer a display of Ni‘ihau shell jewelry, and Vanya Fagasa will offer a session on lauhala-weaving.
Aunty Janet Kahalekomo and ohana present Ho‘oulana i ka lau niu (coconut frond weaving).
A poi-pounding demostration and salt-making session will also take place.
The resort’s Anara Spa offers lomi lomi massage for $1 a minute.
Auntie Malie Jumawan hosts a kapa-making (cloth-making) session. Wauke, the paper mulberry plant, was pounded and made into kapa (cloth).
Alu Like kupuna talk story, offer a lei-making session, and play Hawaiian music from 10 to 11 a.m., and Kahalau Leoiki performs live Hawaiian music from 11 a.m. to noon, joined by hula dancer Nicole Keahiolalo
From 1 to 2 p.m., Kekai Chock and Kona Giminiz perform, with Keahiolalo dancing, and from 2 to 3 p.m. ‘Oiwi performs in Seaview Terrace.
On Saturday, March 23 at 10 a.m. at Prince Kuhio Park in Kukuiula will be the annual commemorative ceremonies by The Royal Order of Kamehameha, honoring Kuhio.
Observe the protocol of honoring Kuhio through ho‘okupu (offering and gifts), dance and singing.
It is free and open to the public.
That evening, back at the resort’s Seaview Terrace, Tweety Kaluahine-Juarez plays music from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by a torch-lighting ceremony.
— TGIFR!DAY