Kamehameha Schools will celebrate the 22nd annual Kauikeaouli Festival – a birthday tribute to Kamehameha III – with a free ‘aha mele (concert) and cultural activities Friday and Saturday at the Outrigger Kona Resort &Spa at Keauhou Bay.
Since Kauikeaouli uplifted the people of Hawaii through community and education — kaiaulu a me ho‘ona‘auao — the festival highlights an organization with a similar mission.
This year, Kamehameha Schools is proud to support the efforts of Halau Ka‘eaikahelelani, an immersion school of Hawaiian arts and culture.
A panel discussion with the halau and Kumu Nani Lim Yap of Halau Manaola will take place at 5 p.m. Friday.
“Ka Lani Kauikeaouli recognized the importance of education in shaping the next generation of ‘oiwi leaders by founding Hawaii’s public school system,” said Kilohana Hirano, Kamehameha Schools community engagement strategist for Hawaii Island, Maui, Molokai and Lanai.
“We are thrilled to be able to come together in person again to honor this visionary ali‘i.”
The festivities continue at 9:30 a.m. Saturday with a craft fair and cultural workshops at the Outrigger Kona Resort.
Register for the workshops at www.kikhula.com.
The concert from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. will spotlight mele and hula performances by Kuana Torres Kahele, Grayden Ha‘i Kelly, the Lim Family, and Halau Ka‘eaikahelelani.
Each year, a special tribute to Kauikeaouli by the Daughters of Hawaii and Kamehameha Schools takes place with a ceremony at the historic place of his birth at Keauhou Bay.