A new chapter in lower Puna’s story begins Saturday with the grand opening of Hale Halawai O Puna cultural makeke and hub — a free, family-friendly celebration of Hawaiian culture, community, and resilience at the former Akebono Theater lot in downtown Pahoa. The event runs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and features more than two dozen hands-on cultural demonstrations and experiences, live music and hula.
Attendees will enjoy traditional practices such as holua sledding, ‘ohe kapala (bamboo stamping), lei making, ku‘i kalo (poi pounding), la‘au lapa‘au (plant medicine), ulana niu (coconut frond weaving), coconut milk making as well as Hawaiian games like konane and ulumaika, mo‘olelo (storytelling), kapa making, and more. Traditional Hawaiian food will be available for purchase, with proceeds supporting the Pahoa Lava Zone Museum.
The celebration will continue with the Activate Puna Town Party, a benefit concert from 4:30-10 p.m. featuring an all-star lineup of island reggae and contemporary Hawaiian music with Kalapana Awa Band, The Drew Daniels Band, The Project featuring Damon Williams, Positive Motion, and Kanaka Fyah. Doors open at 4 p.m.
Advance tickets for Activate Puna are $15. Tickets will be $20 at the door, and keiki 12 and under are free. The evening will feature local food trucks, select craft vendors and a 21+ beer garden operated by Luquin’s Mexican Restaurant.
The Saturday events mark the 7th anniversary of the 2018 Kilauea eruption.
“Hale Halawai O Puna is about strengthening connections, celebrating Puna’s strengths, and creating an economy grounded in community values — rooted in ‘aina, culture, and people,” said Hawaii County Council Member Ashley Kierkiewicz. “Before Akebono Theater was lost to fire, it was a beloved gathering place. HHOP will rekindle that spirit — establishing a space in the heart of Pahoa to uplift our cultural practitioners, artisans, and entrepreneurs, and to cultivate a future shaped by shared values, resilience, and community vision.”
Following Saturday’s events, Hale Halawai O Puna will open regularly as a dynamic community space, hosting cultural makeke and workshops, night markets, public gatherings, and more. Proceeds from the town party will benefit the Pahoa Lava Zone Museum, supporting future town parties, cultural events, and academic scholarships for graduating seniors in Pahoa.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit halehalawaiopuna.com.