| Waimea Valley Grand Opening Aug. 16 |
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WAIMEA VALLEY HOSTS GRAND OPENING EVENT ON AUG. 16 – PŪLAMA 'O WAIMEA: TO CARE FOR & CHERISH WAIMEA Waimea Valley, located at 59-864 Kamehameha Highway (across from Waimea Bay), will host a Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, Aug. 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The community is invited to share in daylong festivities featuring music, dance, arts and craft demonstrations, games for keiki, guided tours and demonstrations by expert practitioners in kapa, lei hulu, lauhala, lā'au lapa'au, and weapons, knotting and cordage. General admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 4 to 12 and seniors 60 or older; Kama'āina rates and military rates are $6 for adults and $3 for children and seniors. For more information visit www.waimeavalley.net or call 638-7766. Pūlama 'O Waimea: To Care For & Cherish Waimea, will showcase the valley's Hawaiian cultural and spiritual significance and its natural beauty. Throughout the day, entertainment will include musical performances by Owana Salazar and Sean Na'au'ao, and hula and chants by Pi'ilani Lua Walker and Pua Ali'i Ilima led by Kumu Hula Vicky Holt Takamine. In addition, historic and botanical guided tours of the valley will be offered and challenging Hawaiian games and activities will entertain youngsters. The Waimea Valley Grill will provide a variety of dining choices for the entire family throughout the day, including special Hawaiian fare. "We are looking forward to this special Grand Opening and to be able to share Waimea Valley with residents and visitors," said Gail Ann Chew, interim executive director of Waimea Valley. "In February 2008 Hi'ipaka LLC, began its stewardship of this special and sacred place. Pūlama 'O Waimea exemplifies our commitment to the preservation and perpetuation of sharing Hawaiian culture, and we look forward to continuing to offer programs and activities throughout the year that will fulfill this vision." There are numerous activities planned for keiki including Hawaiian games like 'ulu maika, hākā moa (chicken fighting/wrestling), kōnane (chess) and ihe (spear throwing). Youngsters can also try their hand at stamping and printing and a special botanical scavenger hunt will be held throughout the day. The entire family can enjoy guided walking tours featuring information on conservation and wildlife, botany, history and Native Hawaiian plants. A highlight of Pūlama 'O Waimea is the opportunity for guests to learn about the traditional arts and crafts of Hawaii through the sharing of expert practitioners: Kapa – Kaiulani De Silva and Verna Takashima; Lauhala – Gwen Kamisugi and Lorna Pacheco with weavers from Kahana Valley; Lei Hulu – Kumu Hula Kahai Topolinski and hālau; Weapons, Knotting and Cordage – Gordon Umi Kai and Janice Kai; and Lā'au lapa'au – Sarah Miles and Waimea Valley Program Staff. These artisans will be demonstrating and teaching from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. "All of these activities are being held within the valley, so the public can truly appreciate its importance. The admission fees for the day are the everyday prices," commented Chew. "We look forward to welcoming everyone from our community and visitors on this very special day." Waimea Valley is a living pu'uhonua, a place of peace and safety, for Hawai'i and the world. Waimea is significant in the history of Hawai'i and a repository for Hawaiian spirituality and traditions. The 1,875-acre valley offers an authentic cultural window into the lifestyle and customs of the Hawaiian people through daily programs and activities. Located on the island's famous North Shore at 59-864 Kamehameha Highway (across from Waimea Bay), Waimea Valley is open daily (except Christmas and New Year's Day), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
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