The sixth annual Malama Na Keiki Festival in Ka‘u invites families of all kinds to learn more about community resources while having plenty of fun along the way on Saturday.
Malama Na Keiki is a free event put on by community health organization Hui Malama Ola Na Oiwi, which aims to address the health disparities present on the island by offering a range of health-promoting services and programs.
Over 20 partnering agencies with interactive booths will provide family health and children resources while keiki are able to play and participate in many activities at the Pahala Community Center in Ka‘u.
There will be free screenings for vision, otitis media (middle ear infections), and height and weight measurements for keiki. Experts will be available to answer questions and give their cultural and health knowledge to those interested.
In addition to educational resources, there will be a raffle, free food and drinks, prizes for keiki, balloon animals, face painting, crafts, a lo‘au lapa‘au demonstration and hula performance.
“We want to give people an easy way to come together this summer, especially in a rural area, to learn more about health and support options while also having a great time,” said Emma Lowrey, information and project coordinator. “We want all ohana, young families, first-time mothers and women considering pregnancy to come out and see what they can access.”
Hui Malama Ola Na Oiwi has a family medicine clinic in Hilo, which currently is accepting patients who need a primary care provider, and a nutritionist that can advise patients who have referrals from their doctors.
Providers offer telehealth options, a home medical visit program and traditional Hawaiian healing classes.
There is a healthy hapai course, which is a five-week online series for mothers-to-be. Other classes in nutrition, chronic disease management, gardening, hula and yoga also are available.
Hui Malama Ola Na Oiwi also provides two support groups for cancer and diabetes patients.
“Last, but certainly not least, we do our best with a small team of drivers to deliver clients to their medical-related appointments across the island,” Lowrey said. “We also host two special events annually, our Malama Na Keiki Festival and our Ladies’ Night Out. Ladies’ Night Out focuses on the health and wellness of our Hawaii Island women, offering a fun night full of pampering and educational resources.”
The festival is free to the public and will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday at the Pahala Community Center in Ka‘u.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.