The inaugural Waipio Kalo Festival will be held June 4 in Koaekea in Hamakua.
The inaugural Waipio Kalo Festival will be held June 4 in Koaekea in Hamakua.
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. that Saturday, the festival will honor Waipio, the multi-generational kalo farmers, musicians, cultural practitioners, families with genealogical ties, and those who perpetuate Hawaiian culture in the valley. The event is free and features numerous opportunities to learn about kalo, lei-making, lauhala and lau niu weaving demonstrations, a kalo cookoff, entertainment, great food and a taro team relay. It will be held at Koaekea (the former Rice property at Waipio lookout). Shuttles will be provided.
Through moolelo (stories), lessons and information, participants will learn how sacred and important Waipio Valley and taro farming are within Hawaiian culture and history. The festival is designed to encourage people of all ages to reconnect with the aina, feel empowered to grow their own kalo and provide healthy food for their ohana.
In addition, festival presenters will teach about different varieties of kalo and their nutritional value and health benefits, various farming styles, and how to kui kalo (pound kalo). Other information booths will teach about healthy soil agro-forestry, the importance of water, and the history of Waipio and the Hamakua District.
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs recently awarded a $5,000 Ahahui Grant to support the festival being organized by the community-based Ha Ola O Waipio organization. Friends of the Future serves as the fiscal sponsor for projects of Ha Ola O Waipio Valley.
Info: HaolaoWaipioValley@gmail.com. ■