Busy Kalakaua Avenue in historic Waikiki on Aug. 9 was limited to one lane. That day will go down in history as one of the largest peace walks celebrating aloha aina, the love of Hawaii, and all that it encompasses. It was estimated that 10,000 people came to march for the cause. Whether it was in support to preserve the sacredness of Mauna Kea (Mauna A Wakea), Haleakala, or against the use of agricultural or conservation lands for commercial use or GMO, the people, mostly native to these islands, came together to carry their flags, signs, sing their songs, dance their hula or haka, and share their oli, with pride and dignity. The rich heritage, our native culture of these islands is alive and thriving. Some of the visitors showed support to the causes and even joined in. It was a cultural, educational event that was dynamic, colorful and filled with deep emotion.
Busy Kalakaua Avenue in historic Waikiki on Aug. 9 was limited to one lane. That day will go down in history as one of the largest peace walks celebrating aloha aina, the love of Hawaii, and all that it encompasses. It was estimated that 10,000 people came to march for the cause. Whether it was in support to preserve the sacredness of Mauna Kea (Mauna A Wakea), Haleakala, or against the use of agricultural or conservation lands for commercial use or GMO, the people, mostly native to these islands, came together to carry their flags, signs, sing their songs, dance their hula or haka, and share their oli, with pride and dignity. The rich heritage, our native culture of these islands is alive and thriving. Some of the visitors showed support to the causes and even joined in. It was a cultural, educational event that was dynamic, colorful and filled with deep emotion.
On a personal level, I did not plan to be there, yet a parking spot across from Kapiolani Park appeared. It was hot. I made the trek toward the prolific healing pohaku before the statue of Duke Kahanamoku. It was the calling. I ended up with other kupuna as we lined up in the middle of empty Kalakaua Avenue awaiting the approaching lahui. The pu got louder and the multitudes of red shirts, kihe and waving flags neared. The mana of the oli vibrated through all of Waikiki, Kupuna Dawn began crying profusely and chanting, Uncle Kalani blew his pu. As they neared, I noted they were led by our Aloha Aina protectors of Mauna Kea. They chanted for entry, we responded with an oli kahea for them to enter and to holomua, go forward in this celebration of bringing our people together to protect what we love, our aina. It was an awakening of body, mind and spirit, all at once.
I turned and walked alongside these young leaders of our beautiful Hawaii Nei. I was fully immersed by the feeling of this movement, filled with humble pride and immense inspiration. There were different stops along the way to give tribute, hookupu, to King Kalakaua, Duke Kahanamoku, Queen Liliuokalani and Queen Kapiolani. The Royal Order of Kamehameha was at the culmination to receive their oli and hookupu.
We continued walking to Kapiolani Park where the festivities began. I turned and saw that there were thousands still coming in increments. It was an overwhelming feeling to experience that many people coming together in one place for a common good. There were no “safety issues,” it was peaceful.
The organizers, beside orchestrating this massive peaceful event, created ultra aloha by feeding thousands of people ono luau stew with poi, no charge, music shared all day, different booths with information and arts, and a tent just for kupuna.
I am deeply grateful that I listened to the call of my kupuna and made it to this epic and inspirational gathering. It embraced us with a light of hope of bridging our people of Hawaii, while strengthening our cultural pride connecting us to our dynamic heritage of thousands of years before.
Puna Kihoi is a resident of Honaunau/Waimea.
Viewpoint articles are the opinion of the writer and not necessarily the opinion of West Hawaii Today.