Traditions of the Pacific – Makahiki: Its Images and Protocols

Bishop Museum Podcasts

Join us for another fascinating Traditions of the Pacific lecture series and special documentary, recorded in Hawaiian Hall on November 10, 2016!
The ancient Hawaiian New Year festival, Makahiki, is a unique cultural event celebrated with new awareness, ceremony, peace, and games. Held for approximately four months each year, the celebration honors Lono, the god of fertility, believed to bring prosperity to the islands. Throughout this period, native Hawaiians would participate in sports, games, feasts, and religious ceremonies. War, however, was strictly forbidden.
Combining over 35 years of experience and knowledge in the practice of lua, Umi Kai, Kamilo Lara, and Kaha Toledo, nā olohe of Pā Ku‘i A Lua highlights the powerful imagery and ancient protocol associated with the makahiki season. Listeners will gain a greater understanding of the significance of the makahiki season itself and how it continues to play and important role in Hawai‘i today.