JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM -- Service members, families and civilians attended and participated in the annual Kapuaikaula Makahiki, held Nov. 2 at Hickam Harbor Beach on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH).
The event provided an opportunity for military members and their families to learn more about the culture and history of Hawaii.
Makahiki is a holiday covering four consecutive lunar months, approximately from October or November through February or March. The focus of the season is a celebration of the bounty of the land. In antiquity, many religious ceremonies occurred during this period. Commoners stopped work, made offerings to the chief or aliʻi, and then spent their time practicing sports, feasting, dancing and renewing communal bonds.
Makahiki is an ancient Hawaiian celebration dedicated to Lono, the guardian of agriculture, rain, health and peace, to give thanks for nature’s gifts received from land and sea. During the four lunar months of the Makahiki season, warfare was forbidden which was used as "a ritually inscribed means to assure that nothing would adversely affect the new crops."
The event began with paddlers in canoes carrying a symbolic representation of Lono arriving on the shores of Hickam Harbor Beach, followed by a procession from the landing site to the makahiki location.
After the arrival, master of ceremonies for the celebration Shad Kane spoke about the importance of makahiki in ancient Hawaiian times as it allowed an opportunity to break the restrictions of gatherings between traditional Hawaiian chiefs and their subjects.
“Makahiki is not just a party where we exchange gifts,” said Kane, cultural practitioner and Oahu Council of Hawaiian Civic Clubs historic preservation chair. “Makahiki is about us learning more about each other’s culture and becoming closer in our partnership.”
After the speeches from Kane and other local Hawaiian leaders, attendees were able to participate in traditional games, such as makaihe (spear throwing), moa pahe’e (dart tossing) and ‘ulu maika (stone rolling). The games were open to everyone, including families and their children.
“I would say we are all big family, one big ohana,” said Navy Captain Stanley Keeve, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam commander. “It’s important that not only we work together, but we play together as well."
Although there are plenty of games to be played at the makahiki, Keeve said the event holds more importance than just enjoying activities on the beach during the weekend.
“Makahiki provides an opportunity to share the cultural heritage of the native Hawaiians,” he said. “I consider it a win/win. We get to play a part in their history, but at the same time we get to educate ourselves in the process -- and that’s a winning combination.”