Kauai history highlighted by cultural contributions

“I lived in Okinawa for 12 years, but came home,” said Katy Muzik of Wailua Saturday. “This is almost like being back there.”

Bernie Sakoda and Alan Hiranaka of the Hui Alu coordinated with Bill Fernandez, president of the Kauai Historical Society board, to present the Okinawan festival to an overflow audience at the Aston Aloha Beach Resort in Wailua.

“The cultural festivals honor the different ethnic groups who came and became a part of our history,” said Mary Requilman, director of the Kauai Historical Society. “The festivals focus on the groups’ contributions which have given rise to our lifestyle.”

The cultural festivals are part of the Kauai Historical Society’s 100th anniversary and will continue each month until May 10 when the festivals will focus on Hawaii with participation from the Japanese, Filipino, Portuguese and more from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Historic County Building lawn.

Feb. 22 the Chinese culture will be featured at the Aston Aloha Beach Resort from 6 to 9 p.m.

Mar. 15, a choir of Tongans in traditional dress will highlight the Tongan culture with Tongan cuisine from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Lihue United Church, and on April 12, Linda Paik Moriarty will lead Niihau shell lei makers from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Aqua Kauai Beach Resort.

“The Kauai Historical Society is the keeper of history of Kauai and Niihau,” Requilman said. “These cultural festivals highlight the contributions to our history.”