Lonoikamakahiki!

Story and images by Hennessy Arroyo & Mahea Sanita, seniors at Hāna School

When Makaliʻi is seen on the horizon at dusk, it marks the start of the traditional Makahiki season.

Makahiki is a tradition that took place in ancient Hawaiian times during the winter season when no war was happening. Makahiki is a time of rest, but also celebrates many activities including games, sports, and feasting. The season lasts for around four months and represents a time of celebration, peace, abundance, and agriculture, and honors the god Lono. 

On November 17th, a Makahiki ceremony took place at Kahanu Garden in Hāna, Maui. East Maui organizations Ala Kukui, Ma Ka Hana Ka ʻIke, Hōlani Hāna, Kahanu Garden, and Hāna School all collaborated to bring the Makahiki ceremony and gathering to life. East Maui residents were invited including all of Hāna School from elementary and Kula Kaiapuni to high school.

Halau O Nakaulakuhikuhi initiated the Makahiki ceremony with the oli ‘Ōkaʻi o Lono. Kahauiki Aiona carried the Akua Loa to the foot of the heiau, ka hale o Piʻilani. Each group participating in the ceremony prepared and offered a hoʻokupu such as lāʻi, hīpuʻu lei of kukui, fish, and kalo. The ceremony was completed with an ʻAha ʻAwa where everyone was welcome to take part. 

After the opening ceremony, ceremonial food was served. The Kahu ‘Ai Pono culinary program of Ma Ka Hana Ka ʻIke managed the food station, working hard to provide various traditional foods including ʻulu, fish, pork, ʻuala, and kalo—all of this grown and harvested in East Maui. Students in the Kahu ʻAi Pono high school class assisted in the kitchen to prepare for this event.

Ma Ka Hana Ka ʻIke was proud to be involved in preparing the traditional Makahiki games, including Moa Paheʻe, ʻŌʻō ʻIhe, ʻUlu Maika, Kōnane, Hukihuki, and Haka Moa.

High school students in our Ma Ka Hana Ka ʻIke classes, building and construction and papa ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, participated in leading the games and advising other students at each station.

The building and construction class was part of making the game implements used, such as the pohaku (stones) for ʻUlu Maika and the moa (wooden darts) for Moa Paheʻe.

Students from Kula Kaiapuni o Hāna play the Makahiki game of ʻŌʻō ʻIhe (spear throwing)

Students lead the game of Kōnane (checkers) for kūpuna

Students play Haka Moa, with ka hale o Piʻilani in the background

Makahiki is a tradition that is only celebrated in Hawaiʻi, making it such an important time and gathering to perpetuate.

We are grateful to collaborate with organizations and our communities in East Maui to hold this Makahiki ceremony, and provide an opportunity for all of us to deepen our connection to our home, ancestors, and each other.