The Mokihana Festival, a week-long celebration dedicated to Hawaiian culture, commenced on March 10, 2024, with a ceremonial blessing at the Kapaa First Hawaiian Church. Organized by the Malie Foundation, the festival features a diverse range of activities, including lectures, workshops, music performances, and a two-day hula competition. This year’s theme, Ka Makahiki O Na Hula O Kauai, emphasizes the rich traditions of hula and Hawaiian arts.
The festival kicked off on Sunday with an opening service, followed by a series of events designed to engage both participants and attendees. Notably, the Composers Contest took place on Monday evening at the Outrigger Kauai Beach Resort, showcasing local talent. Schools involved in the E Liliu Song Competition participated in a preparatory workshop on Tuesday morning, which aimed to refine their presentations for the festival. Later that evening, audiences were treated to a performance by Kamakane Hopkins, a local musician, from 17:00 to 19:00.
As the week progressed, activities shifted to the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall, where a free craft fair and food offerings were available from 10:00 to 20:00 on Thursday through Saturday. The final day of the festival on March 16, 2024, will also feature the last rounds of the hula competition, alongside ongoing craft and food events.
Among the highlights of the festival is a workshop hosted by Kumu Kapu Kinimaka-Alquiza, a renowned hula teacher and former participant of the prestigious Merrie Monarch Hula Festival. This workshop requires an admission fee and promises an enriching experience led by Kumu Kapu and her team of alaka‘i, who will present the halau’s signature Holiday Hula and a special Father’s Day hoike.
The hula competition, a key feature of the Mokihana Festival, draws participants from Kauai and beyond. The Kahiko Nei traditional hula will be showcased on Friday evening, with doors opening at 17:00. The following day, Saturday, will present the contemporary hula, known as ‘Auana, starting at 11:00.
A portion of the proceeds from this cultural celebration will be allocated to scholarships funded by the Malie Foundation, supporting the continuation of Hawaiian arts and education. The festival is made possible through sponsorships from organizations such as Alexander and Baldwin, the County of Kauai, Grand Pacific Resorts, and the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
For further details and updates, interested individuals can visit the Malie Foundation’s website at www.maliefoundation.org. The Mokihana Festival stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Hawaiian culture, bringing together communities and celebrating the beauty of tradition.