'ALEMANAKA - CALENDAR

'Alemanaka Nowemapa

Moku O Keawe International Festival. - Photo: Courtesy of Moku o Keawe

MOKU O KEAWE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

Wed.-Sun., Nov. 5-9, times vary

Celebrates the full depth and breadth of Native Hawaiian arts with a hula competition, an opening night music concert featuring headliner Napua Greig, Hawai'i-related arts and crafts, and cultural workshops on hula, lauhala weaving and more. Admission varies. Waikoloa Beach Resort. mokuokeawe.org.

Makahiki events

Makahiki, the traditional Native Hawaiian season when war was kapu, tribute was given to the chiefs, and rites of purification and celebration were performed.

For Umi Kai, who is organizing a makahiki celebration Nov. 15 at Kualoa Regional Park, the season caps off a year of a labor of love. “Most people associate makahiki with the games, not the protocol. To me, the games are the physical fun part. But the mental planning and everything else is the real crux of it all” Kai said. “Makahiki might be celebrated in the four months, but preparations are made the whole year. If the ali'i said he wants 5,000 red hulu, you don't just get it the day before.”

Kaho'olawe
Nov. 13-16

The Protect Kaho'olawe 'Ohana will open the Makahiki season on Kaho'olawe, but sign-up for that trip is closed. PKO will be holding a closing ceremony in February. It is required that participants be familiar with Kaho'olawe access protocol and have visited Kaho'olawe previously. For information on the February panina, email Kim Ku'ulei Birnie at kkb@kahoolawe.org.

Kualoa Regional Park, O'ahu
Nov. 15, Sunrise to evening

Families are encouraged to camp from Friday till Sunday. Contact Umi Kai, ulupono1@gmail.com or 840-5510.

Moku'ume'ume (Ford Island) and Kapuaikaula (Hickam AFB)
Nov. 15, 7:30 a.m. to afternoon

Participants must email and RSVP in advance, as access to the site is limited. Email Shad Kane at kiha@hawaii.rr.com.

Mākua Valley, O'ahu
Nov. 22 • 9 a.m.

Participants must email and RSVP in advance, as access to the site is limited. An orientation session is mandatory. Meetings will be held every Friday until the event. Email William Aila at ailaw001@hawaii.rr.com.

WORLD INVITATIONAL HULA FESTIVAL

Thurs.-Sat., Nov. 6-8, gate opens at 4 p.m.

For seven years, this competition has lived up to its name by attracting hula artists from 16 countries, with a judging panel of the world's savviest keepers of the art of Hawaiian dance. Waikīkī Shell. $10-$35. worldhula.com or 486-3185.

NĀ HŌKŪ HANOHANO 'AHA MELE

Sat., Nov. 8, 2-4 p.m.

Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts features local music luminaries Hōkū Zuttermeister, Maunalua, Ku'uipo Kumukahi and the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame Serenaders, Pilioha and John Cruz. Free. Mission Memorial Auditorium. Presented by the Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts. info@nahokuhanohano.org or 593-9424.

INTERNATIONAL WAIKĪKĪ HULA CONFERENCE

Thurs.-Sat., Nov. 13-15, times vary

This may be the only conference where PowerPoint presentations are replaced by nonstop opportunities to 'uwehe, 'ami and slide, just to name a few moves to be practiced in 128 hula classes taught by more than 40 noted kumu. Classes also cover hula costume and lei making, 'ōlelo Hawai'i, oli, history, mele, music and instrument making. $250 kama'āina rate. Hawai'i Convention Center. waikikihulaconference.com or 923-4151.

NĀ MELE O MAUI

Thurs., Nov. 20, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Maui County students in grades K-12 sing their hearts in an annual contest to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture and heritage. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa at Kā'anapali. Donations at the door fund scholarships. Juried student art exhibit runs Nov. 13-20. Sponsored by Nā Mele O Maui. kaanapaliresort.com or 808-661-3271.

NATIVE AMERICAN FLUTE AND STORYTELLING

Sat., Nov. 22, 1-3 p.m.

Blackfeet Nation's Troy “Good Medicine” De Roche presents a workshop in Native American flute. All levels welcome. CDs and flutes available for purchase. $30 advance or $40 at door. Chaminade University's Loo Theater.

Sun., Nov. 23, 5 p.m.

De Roche and wife Liz De Roche enchant audiences with Native American flute music and storytelling. Holistic Healing Hawai'i, 1860 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 406. $20. Reservations, 734-8018.

KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Sat., Dec. 6, 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

More than 300 students of the Kamehameha Schools Performing Arts Department ring in the holiday with island-style entertainment in dance, drama, chant and more. Hawai'i Theatre. Free. Advance tickets, 842-8495. Information, 528-0506.

CHRISTMAS BETWEEN THE AVENUES

Sat., Dec. 6, 5-10 p.m.

In the heart of Nānākuli Homestead, a celebration of community pride offers crafts, food, keiki rides, and, most of all, the good cheer of neighbors getting to know one another. This year's theme, “E hoe aku i ka wa'a” (paddle the canoe forward) honors community volunteers. Free. Street parking on Haleakalā and Nānākuli avenues. nanakulialoha@aol.com or 499-8894.