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Hundreds of people of all ages will meet at Waimea Park on Saturday, Jan. 21, for a day filled with camaraderie, fun and traditional Makahiki games.

The appearance of the Makali‘i (the Pleiades) in the eastern sky marks the Hawaiian New Year and the start of the Makahiki Season, when Hawaiians honor Lono, the god of rain, agriculture, harvest, peace and fertility.

The all-day event celebrates Hawaiian culture through games of strength and skill.

Kā Moku o Keawe Makahiki, a Native Hawaiian fitness and health program that integrates Hawai‘i’s ancient Makahiki Season traditions. brings together hundreds of children, youth, adults and elders who will challenge one another through traditional Hawaiian games.

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These ancient Hawaiian games range from games of strength, such as hukihuki hoʻokahi (single tug of war) and pōhaku hoʻoikaika (rock throwing) to various games of skill, like hakamoa (chicken fight) and ʻulu maika (lawn bowling).

Collectively the 12 games require physical fitness, strength, endurance, strategy and agility, but also grounding in good sportsmanship and respect for self and others in the physical activity settings.

The games are organized so participants of all ages can compete with athletes in their age group with the winner being awarded a certificate of excellence.

Kā Moku o Keawe Makahiki is rooted in the values of our ancestors and is a reminder of the importance of taking time out to be thankful for our many blessings—mahalo i ka mea loaʻa.

Kā Moku o Keawe offers training from October through January.

For more information, contact Kēhaulani Marshall at (808) 936-1612.