Fri, Dec 11
|Kahua ʻOlohū
ʻAha Makahiki ma Kahua ʻOlohū
Join the ʻAha Makahiki, an annual celebration of traditional Hawaiian games and culture in Nāʻālehu.
Time & Location
Dec 11, 2026, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM HST
Kahua ʻOlohū, Naalehu, HI 96772, USA
About the event
The ʻAha Makahiki is an annual event held at the Kahua ʻOlohū, an ancient playing field located in the ahupuaʻa of Kaunāmano, Nāʻālehu, District of Kaʻū. This year marks our 6th year hosting the event for the youth of Hawaiʻi Island.
Historically, this broad kahua or plaza was used for various sports during the Makahiki festival, including bowling, boxing, javelin throwing, and hula dancing, as noted by Tutu Mary Kawena Pukui.
The event features twelve (12) individual game stations and includes:
- Learning and participation in traditional poi pounding (ku'i kalo)
- Hula performances by local halau
- Opening ceremonies, protocols, and demonstrations for the community
Each year, the event grows larger and attracts more participants. The coordination and preparation for the event are provided by the Ala Kahakai Trail Association, Kua o Ka La PCS, The Nature Conservancy, and other non-profit partners as in-kind services.