The 17th Annual Windward Hoʻolauleʻa, called “A Homegrown Celebration,” is set for Saturday, October 7, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. at Windward Community College campus. Make no mistake—this is no backyard jam.

Headliners this year include Merrie Monarch Award-winning hula from Chinky Mahoe and Na Hoku Hanohano winners Hoʻokena, Kawika Kahiapo and Kapena. Also in the entertainment line-up are Jerry Santos and Kamuela Kimokeo, rising teen rock band EMKE, and a tribute to the legacy of Eldean Kukahiko’s Kahaluʻu Elementary School ʻUkulele Band and much more.

For the shoppers, there are classic Hawaiian woodcarvings and jewelery, unique arts and crafts, ʻono food, keiki rides and activities, art exhibits, a college-sponsored silent auction, and educational and community displays.

Entertainment

10 a.m.—Opening by Windward CC Hawaiian Studies students

Hawaiian Studies students 10:15 a.m.— Kahaluʻu ʻUkulele Band

Band 11:15 a.m.—Air Force Pacific “Small Kine” Band

12:15 p.m.—Pila Nahenahe / Hawaiʻi Loa

Loa 1:15 p.m.—Jerry Santos and Kamuela Kimokeo

2:15 p.m.— Kaʻala Carmack and Friends

Carmack and Friends 3:15 p.m.—Kawika Kahiapo

4:15 p.m.—EMKE (rising teen rock sensation)

5:15 p.m.—Chinky Mahoe’s Hālau Hula o Kawailiʻulā (Merrie Monarch award-winners)

(Merrie Monarch award-winners) 6:15 p.m.— Hoʻokena

7:15 p.m.—Kapena

More hoʻolauleʻa highlights

Imaginarium shows

In addition to live entertainment, there will be a special family-friendly fulldome show at the Imaginarium. The cost is $5 for all, on event day only; Reservations: walk-in only; first-come, first-seated.

Gallery ʻIolani

The gallery will be open from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. with Raku Hoʻolauleʻa, a juried exhibition of 37 potters and ceramic masters who participated in the Hawaiʻi Craftsmen’s 41st annual Raku Hoʻolauleʻa at Camp Mokulēʻia in May.

Windward CC booths and attractions

Among the Windward CC attractions celebrating higher education on the Windward side will be: Marine Option Program and PaCES gyotaku fish printing, math and engineering activities, a medicinal/nutritional plant sale by botany club members and tours to medicinal garden by agripharmatech students, veterinary technology student activities for pet owners, rocketry activities for keiki, activities from career and community education, service-learning, language arts, theatre, a first aid booth by CNA students and information about college and career planning.

Silent auction

An ocean view stay at the Double Tree by Hilton Alana Waikīkī, deluxe Magic of Polynesia dinner show, mini-golf, performing arts theatre tickets, Hawaiian art, handmade quilts, fine jewelry, restaurant gift certificates at Buzz’s Steak House, Zia’s and more, Mid Pacific Country Club golf, full body massages, permanent eyeliner tattoo and many great items donated by vendors at the Hoʻolauleʻa will be auctioned with proceeds going to Windward CC ’s Scholarship Endowment fund and for Student Affairs programs.

Food

ʻOno food to taste include Uala Leaf Cafe, Uncle Lani’s Poi Mochi, Erin’s Shave Ice, Hawaiian plates, Olay’s Thai food, and Hawaiian Honey Cones, Papa’Oles, Honolulu Burger Company and Delice Crepes.

Community expo

The Kāneʻohe Neighborhood Board will provide information on disaster preparedness, and Walgreens will offer flu shots at the event once again this year (bring insurance card). Five Rs 96744 project, Key Project, Waimānalo Health Center, Koʻolaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Hawaiʻi Job Corps, Hina Mauka, Hawaiʻi Island Land Trust, Papahana Kuaʻola, Oʻahu Invasive Species, Hawaiian Women in Filmmaking and many more.

For full schedule and additional information, please visit the Windward Hoʻolauleʻa website.

Bringing people, businesses and education together

Windward Hoʻolauleʻa is coordinated by the Kaneohe Business Group and Windward CC and supported by community sponsors.

Flagship sponsors of the event are Hawaiian Electric Co., HC&D (formerly Ameron Hawaiʻi), Kamehameha Schools, Minami Foundation and Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. More sponsors include Hawaiian Memorial Park, Walgreens, First Hawaiian Bank, Enterprise Rent-a-Car Hawaiʻi, Bank of Hawaiʻi, Castle Medical Center, and Territorial Savings Bank.

“We’re very grateful for the tremendous community support of this event highlighting the talent and businesses of the Windward side as well as the educational opportunities at Windward CC ,” said event chair Bonnie Beatson. “I love the chicken-skin moments.”

—By Bonnie Beatson