The Makahiki season begins with the first sighting of Makalii, the constellation Pleiades, as it rises above the horizon at sunset. Itʻs the beginning of a 4 month period honoring Lono, the god worshipped for peace, prosperity, and fertility. During this season tributes were made, battles ceased, and sporting competitions thrived Hawaiians used this time to refine athletic skills, emphasize spiritual and cultural renewal, and enjoy the prosperity of their aina, land.

Makahiki Kuilima celebrates the Makahiki season The event is free and open to the public. We invite everyone to experience a day of festivities including traditional Makahiki sporting events such as hukihuki (tug of war), ulu maika (lawn bowling), uma (arm wrestling), heihei kukini (foot racing), oo ihe (spear throwing), hee holua (Hawaiian sledding), and hula. There will be artisans and crafters, educational exhibits, cultural demonstrations, and ono food.

Ko Olina Resort will host festival-style screenings of popular Disney and Hawaiian children’s films, along with live performances by the Honolulu Theatre for Youth and the Performing Arts Center of Kapolei Kids, sing-alongs with Hawaii’s Sistah Robi Kahakalau, face painting, Hawaiian arts and crafts, strolling clowns & jugglers, magicians and more at the Ko Olina Children’s Film & Music Festival, Saturday, January 18, 2014.

Festivities will be held beachfront at the resort’s Kohola Lagoon (#1) and throughout the Aulani and JW Marriott Ihilani properties from 1:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults; $10 for kids ages 4-12.

The Ko Olina Children’s Film & Music Festival is a benefit for Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children (KMCWC), Hawaii’s leader in the care of women, infants and children (www.kapiolani.org).