Draping lei on the statue of Prince Kuhio at Prince Kuhio Park on Kauai during the annual Prince Kuhio Celebration. Photo credit: Dennis Fujimoto
Kauai, Hawaii (PRWEB) March 11, 2014
A multitude of events on Kauai are set for March 15-29, 2014, to celebrate Prince Kuhio's birthday (an official state holiday in Hawai‘i). Kuhio was one of Hawai‘i's most beloved ali‘i (royalty) and statesmen. Spanning a two-week period the events are located in Poipu, Hanapepe, Lihue, Wailua and Anahola. The Prince Kuhio Celebration, intended to honor Kuhio and his efforts to foster Hawaiian cultural values, provides a long list of interactive educational sessions about Hawaiian cultural practices, arts and crafts. New to the line-up this year are the Makauwahi Cave Tour at Makauwahi Reserve, a treasure trove of indigenous and endemic plant species and archeological research. The Royal Order of Kamehameha has also added a tour of Prince Kuhio's birthplace. Adding to the mix are many opportunities for entertainment, observing cultural traditions, attending luaus, a rodeo and an outrigger canoe race. Sampling local foods, hearing "talk story" sessions and viewing commemorative ceremonies are also part of the schedule. Check the website, http://princekuhio.net, for a complete event schedule. Many events are at no charge.
Experts in lomilomi massage, salt-making, stone carving, feather arts, kapa (tapa) making, lei-making, coconut and lauhala weaving, healing arts, poi-pounding, quilting, moolelo (myths), and hula kahiko (ancient hula), among others, will be on hand March 22-24 at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa to teach Native Hawaiian cultural practices. Na Kupuna, a group of elders will also share stories, "talking-story" about everyday life. In addition, there will be sections where traditional Hawaiian children's games will be taught.
Evening entertainment on the 23rd will feature the award winning slack-key guitarists and singers Ledward Kaapana and Mike Kaawa. This duo brings a strong mix of instrumental and vocal Hawaiian music, considered tops among slack key artists. The concert starts at 8 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa.
These events are partially sponsored by the Hawaii Tourism Authority and Kauai County, along with the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa and Poipu Beach Foundation.