Hulihee Palace’s annual spring fundraiser, “Day at Hulihee” is Saturday in Kailua-Kona.
Hulihee Palace’s annual spring fundraiser, “Day at Hulihee” is Saturday in Kailua-Kona.
An 8:30 a.m. traditional Hawaiian blessing kicks off the 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. event, which is hosted by palace caretakers the Daughters of Hawaii and the Calabash Cousins.
Browse among tented arts and crafts booths, a bake sale featuring Aunty Nona’s scrumptious peach cake and the ever-popular Classy Tutu’s Attic. Choose a fresh flower lei or floral arrangement made on-site by palace volunteers. The Kuakini Hawaiian Civic Club will offer ono food and hula halau will provide cultural entertainment on the grassy lawn fronting Kailua Bay.
There will also be cultural demonstrations including pai ai (poi pounding) and upena (fish net making). Prize drawings throughout the day will be featured, including the chance to win a king-sized Hawaiian quilt for a $5 donation.
Palace admission will be complimentary all day, although donations will be accepted.
Day at Hulihee also remembers Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole (1871-1922.). Hawaii today observes an annual state holiday to commemorate the prince’s dedication to serving his people.
Beginning in 1902, Kalanianaole served as a delegate to the U.S. Congress for 10 terms, was the driving force behind the development of Pearl Harbor and instituted the Hawaiian Homestead Commission. A monument at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park credits Kalanianaole for founding the park in 1916.
Info: 329-1877, 329-9555 or www.daughtersofhawaii.org. ■