The public is invited to celebrate cultural diversity and promote the creation of a peaceful world at the sixth annual Hilo World Peace Festival from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at Moku Ola (Coconut Island).
The public is invited to celebrate cultural diversity and promote the creation of a peaceful world at the sixth annual Hilo World Peace Festival from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at Moku Ola (Coconut Island).
The free festival, a partnership coordinated by Soka Gakkai International USA, the International Committee of Artists for Peace, Destination Hilo and Hawaii County, features entertainment, information, food and beverage booths, as well as cultural expressions of dance, music and art.
Mayor Billy Kenoi created the festival “to promote the spirit of aloha, the universal language of love, which means: to honor and revere our elders; to love, nurture and protect our children; and to respect the harmony of our families, thus creating a healthy community and island.”
The entertainment lineup includes the Hui Okinawan Kobudo Taiko, hula by the SGI Hula Group, Bert Naihe, Hula Halau O Kou Lima Nani E, Kahulanui and Toa Here Tahitian Revue.
Kiko Johnston-Kitazawa of Honuapo, Ka‘u, will be on hand to provide free educational and cultural rides in two traditional double-hulled sailing canoes.
“The 2015 Hilo World Peace Festival is a true partnership event where community organizations, private enterprise and government work together toward a common goal,” said Roxcie L. Waltjen, Hawaii, Culture and Education Office administrator.
For more information, call the Culture and Education Office at 961-8706.