LIHUE — The public is invited “to join a no-cost celebration of sustainability and agriculture at Hoolaulea no ka Honua, a Celebration for the Earth” on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kauai Philippine Cultural Center, according to a county press release.
Sponsored by the County of Kauai Office of Economic Development and the Kauai Economic Development Board, the free event highlights the importance of native and canoe plants, showcasing their vital role in Hawaii’s culture, food systems and environmental resilience. The event is also getting support from Mental Health America of Hawaii and the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative.
“Hoolaulea No Ka Honua celebrates our shared commitment to sustainability, highlighting the strength of community and collaboration,” said OED Director Nalani Brun. “Our island flourishes through collective care for the land and one another, reinforcing that sustainability is a shared responsibility and a united effort.”
During Hoolaulea No Ka Honua, attendees will enjoy a day filled with hands-on activities, live demonstrations and cultural showcases. Organizers invite people to explore, learn and be inspired as we honor our island’s natural resources, local food systems, and rich heritage through the interactive vendor exhibits to vibrant performances, the press release said.
“Hoolaulea No Ka Honua reflects the spirit of Aohe hua o ka mai‘a i ka la hookahi — ‘Bananas do not fruit in a single day,’” said KEDB Executive Director Jackie Kanna. “True change takes time and collective effort. This Earth Day celebration encourages us to take action, big or small, to help protect our aina, advance sustainability, and build a thriving future for generations to come.”
Earth Month, according to the Earthday.org website, is celebrated during April. Earth Day, called Earth Action Day for 2025, is on April 22 with a theme of “Our Power, Our Planet.” Earth Month leaders encourage everyone around the world to unite behind renewable energy, and to triple the global generation of clean energy by 2030.
During Hoolaulea No Ka Honua, people can connect with more than 20 community-based organizations dedicated to agriculture and conservation efforts on Kauai. Attendees can learn how to support their efforts and become involved in protecting the aina.
Attendees can discover ways to incorporate native and canoe plants into daily life through live demonstrations on lei-making, cooking and laau lapaau, or traditional Hawaiian healing using plants.
Chanel Flores will emcee the day that includes performances by Nick Kaneakua, music from the Kapaa Middle School Choir and Ukulele Band, prize giveaways, and a special family-friendly movie — “Moana 2,” with free popcorn — at 2 p.m. The movie will screen inside the Kauai Philippine Cultural Center with free admission being given to attendees who complete their passport.
The Kauai Philippine Cultural Center is located adjacent to the YMCA of Kauai and near Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School.
