POIPU — Na Kahu o Hoai presents “A Prince Kuhio Day” event on March 26, starting at 8 a.m. and continuing through 4 p.m.
Centered around the Prince Kuhio Park, an area adjacent to Hoai Bay and close to the birthplace of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Piikoi, whose birthdate is celebrated on March 26, the day is broken down into two parts — a community work day from 8 a.m. to noon, and cultural activities from 12:30 to 4 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to participate in the community work day that will involve work needing to be done at the Prince Kuhio Park and the adjoining Kamaloula Cultural Preserve.
Registration can be done online at www.nakahu.org/community. The website also provides more information on the cultural preserve as well as the adjoining area, and also offers an option to donate.
Kamaloula, according to Na Kahu Hoai website, was an ancient village site on the South Shore of Kauai. During the days of sugar plantations, the majority of the archaeological features in the area were destroyed or repurposed.
The heiau at the front of the Prince Kuhio Park and the loko ia fishpond were kept intact.
The 16 acres of land was donated to the Royal Order of Kamehameha, Kaumualii Chapter by the Kukuiula Development Co, so the site adjacent to the Prince Kuhio Park could be documented and protected for future generations.
Stewarded by The Order, in partnership with its nonprofit Na Kahu o Hoai, and with the help of the community and youth volunteers from throughout the island, the group has started a multi-year project to clear invasive species while documenting, preserving and restoring these new archaeological discoveries.
As a privately owned site with significant archaeological features that need to be stabilized and preserved, as well as for safety reasons, Kamaloula Cultural Preserve is currently under restoration and is off-limits to the public.
Anyone wanting access to the site must contact Na Kahu o Hoai.
Na Kahu o Hoai has also created volunteer community workdays on the first Saturday of every other month from 8 a.m. to noon with lunch provided. To ensure lunch, registration must be at least three days before the workday.
Prince Kuhio Memorial Park, established on Oct. 27, 1924, to honor the birthplace and legacy of Prince Kuhio, is a privately owned and maintained memorial for the Kauai community.
Cultural events that take place following the sun crossing its midday apex include informational talks about Hawaiian religion with its heiau, rituals and chants by Dr. Kaimiloa Chrisman.
Uncle John Kaohelaulii will have his konane game set up for people of all skill levels. During the olelo Hawaii event recently, Kaohelaulii inaugurated a well-attended konane tournament that was eventually won by a sixth-grade student.
Kumu Kehau Kekua will have a special art project about Hoai, and the Little Miso Bookmobile will have storytime for young listeners, 0 to 5 years old.
