If you’re going to be on the Big Island in the middle of August, you’ll want to mark your calendars for the 2011, 39th Annual Hookuikahi Establishment Day Hawaiian Cultural Festival at Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site on the Big Island of Hawaii!  Located along the coast on the northern end of Kona, Puukohola Heiau is the largest preserved heiau in the state.  Built by King Kamehameha the Great, it is well worth a stop, even if you can’t make the festival activities.

But, if you are able to fit it into your schedule, the public is invited to experience Royal Court ceremonies, traditional warrior exhibitions,  a mock battle, cultural demonstrations, traditional crafts, music, games, double-hulled canoe rides, traditional food tasting and many more activities.  Yes, you read that right, there will be free double-hulled canoe rides offered!

The Royal Court, Hookupu (Gift-Giving Ritual) and battle reenactment will take place on Saturday, August 13, from 6:30am-10:00am.

NĀ KE‘ENA HANA (Cultural Workshops and Activities 10:30am-3:00pm, Saturday & Sunday.) 

Hula Kāhiko (Ancient Hula), Lei Haku Ame Lei Wili (Ancient Lei Making), Hana Kapa Kuiki (Quilting), Ulana, Lauhala (Lauhala Weaving), ‘Ohe Hanu Ihu (Nose Flute), Kūkūweke La‘ī  (Rain Cape), Hana ‘Upena Kiloi (Net Making), Ku‘i ‘Ai (Poi Pounding), Holo Wa‘a  (Canoe Rides), Hana Hū (Spinning Tops)l, ‘Ohe Kāpala Ki‘i (Bamboo Stamp, Designs), Pahu  (Drums), Ulana Lau Niu (Frond Plaiting), Kahili (Fly Brush), Nī‘au Pūlumi (Hawaiian Broom), Ipu (Gourd, making), Hana Pala‘ie (Loop and Ball Making), Makau  (Fishhook), Kumu La‘au (Woodwork), Ku‘i, Wauke (Tapa Pounding), Awa (Traditional Drink)

As you can see, its a jammed pack schedule of activities that should enlighten and entertain everyone in the family.  The 39th Annual Hookuikahi Establishment Day Hawaiian Cultural Festival at Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site, August 13th and 14th, 2011…don’t forget the sunscreen, there’s not much shade out there.