Posted on: Sunday, July 15, 2001

Families invited to festival

By Jean Chow
Advertiser Staff Writer

"Ho'olauna Hou," or "Come to gather again," is the theme of a Hawaiian cultural festival next Sunday at McCoy Pavilion in Ala Moana Beach Park. It is being presented for the first time by kumu hula John Keola Lake and his Halau Mele. "We have a concert every year, but this time we decided to do it family-style on the beach and make it all day," he said.

The idea is to bring the local community together to celebrate Hawaiian culture and traditions. Starting at 10 a.m., the festival will feature Hawaiian crafts, workshops, storytelling, films and music. At 5:30 p.m., the festival will culminate with a lu'au and concert, with Jerry Santos, Nalani Olds Pai'ea, several halau and others. The event is a fund-raiser so Halau Mele can return to Rapa Nui (Easter Island) to help the community and learn from the cultural exchange. The events also marks the 11th annual celebration of the founding of the Pu'u Kohala Heiau on the Big Island. Tickets are $15-$25 for adults and $7.50-$12.50 for kids. Admission to only day events is $3 (kids 12 and under get in free). Call 566-6969 or 674-6679.