PO‘IPU — Prince Jonah Kuhio was born in an area in Po‘ipu located close to the Prince Kuhio Park, and with Kuhio’s birthday coming up March 26, a variety of events celebrate his birth. The Garden Island Artisan Fair, normally
PO‘IPU — Prince Jonah Kuhio was born in an area in Po‘ipu located close to the Prince Kuhio Park, and with Kuhio’s birthday coming up March 26, a variety of events celebrate his birth.
The Garden Island Artisan Fair, normally held three times a year at Po‘ipu Beach Park, kicked off two weeks worth of events on Saturday.
Following a morning of still weather, the rains opened up on the Prince Kuhio Rodeo at CJM Country Stables, hosted by the American West Kaua‘i Rodeo Association.
Rodeos and horseback riding have been a tradition in Hawai‘i since the days of the plantation era.
Earlier in the day, Mele Brewer hosted more than a handful of people to a lecture titled Wisdom of the Kupuna from ‘Olelo No‘eau (Hawaiian proverbs) at the National Tropical Botanical Gardens South Shore Visitor Center where guests were treated not only to a talk about how Hawaiian proverbs apply to modern times, but were treated to a sampling of kalo (taro) products as well as a tour of the visitor center garden.
Activities continue through the week with a Talk Story event about Kaua‘i’s South Shore, culture, flora and history with kupuna at the Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club starting with an opening protocol ceremony at 10 a.m.
Thursday, people have an opportunity to tour the Makauwahi Cave, an open ceiling sinkhole, which is a uniquely preserved archaeological site. There is an admission fee of $10, one of the few events where admission is assessed.
Friday events center around the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and Spa where, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m., Native Hawaiian cultural and art practices will be available.
Some of the events include weaving, working with kalo, stone carving, Hawaiian weaponry, drum making, tapa (kapa), making, the creation of kupe‘e (bracelets) as well as ‘ukulele lessons.
The birth of Prince Kuhio will be celebrated Saturday with the Royal Order of Kamehameha, caretakers of the Prince Kuhio Park, during commemorative ceremonies marking Kuhio’s birth at the Prince Kuhio Park.
Protocol starts at 10 a.m. with the offering of ho‘okupu, oli and hula by representatives of the various Hawaiian groups.
More protocol is on tap Sunday at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i when taiko drummers honor Prince Kuhio starting at 8:30 a.m. A craft fair and cultural demonstration program with entertainment follows.
Visit www.princekuhio.net for a full listing of events honoring Prince Kuhio, which wraps up March 30 with the 3rd Annual Anahola Prince Kuhio Day Celebration honoring the late Jennie Loke Perreira at the Anahola Beach Park from 11 a.m.
