Makahiki at Kula Haʻahaʻa

What a great day at Kula Haʻahaʻa…the students celebrated Makahiki after learning cultural protocol with Kumu Crabbe in Hawaiian class and all the fun Makahiki games that test strength and agility with Mrs. Lee in P.E. class.  Watch Papa ʻElima as they begin the festivities with their hoʻokupu of an ʻoli above.

Here is manaʻo on Makahiki that I got from a KS publication:

The word makahiki can refer to a time of celebration, the ceremonies and activities observed during this particular time of year, or a complete calendar year. Traditionally for Hawaiians, our calendar year is divided into two seasons, Kau (the dry season) and Hoʻoilo (the wet season). The month of ʻIkuā, which means “noisy,” usually begins in September or October. This month is characterized by roaring surf, thunderstorms, and rain. This boisterous personality of ʻIkuā signaled the approach of Makahiki.

The roughly four-month period of Makahiki was a time of peace and plenty, relaxation and games, and for harvest. It was also a time to honor the god Lono, one of the four major gods recognized not only here in Hawaiʻi, but throughout the Pacific. His domain includes fertility, agriculture and peace. During Makahiki, the qualities of Lono were celebrated by feasting, competing in sport and games, hula and storytelling. War between the aliʻi was forbidden. Some of the games that were enjoyed are: heihei kūkini (racing), mokomoko (boxing), hākōkō (a wrestling style similar to sumo), pūhenehene (a skilled-game of deception), and kōnane (a board game most resembling chess).

CONTRIBUTED BY KAʻANOʻI WALK  NOVEMBER 04, 2013 KS online