Hawaii's Big Island: rediscovering an ancient heritage

Sunset, July, 2005

Ancient Hawaiian culture reigns supreme on Hawaii's largest island. From the ROYAL COURT INVESTITURE--complete with ceremonial chant and hula--on the edge of Halemaumau crater at Kilauea, home of Pele, goddess of volcanoes (August 27, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park), to the KUPUNA HULA FESTIVAL (September 21-22, King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel), the two-day event honoring Hawaii's kupuna, or elders, the Big Island's events showcase the islands' commitment to cultivating Hawaii's most treasured cultural resources and rich past.

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The 30TH ANNUAL PANIOLO PARADE (Saturday, September 17, Waimea) is no exception. Co-hosted by the Aloha Festivals and the Parker Ranch, one of the nation's largest ranches, the paniolo parade pays homage to the Big Island's long and fascinating cowboy tradition. Pau riders, floats, and marching bands gather to honor Hawaii's oldest ranching community.

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And just down the hill at one of the Kona-Kohala Coast's most beautiful beaches, a different kind of tradition, but just as unique: the ALOHA FESTIVALS ANNUAL POKE CONTEST (Monday, September 12, Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel). Poke, the traditional Hawaiian appetizer--somewhat reminiscent of ceviche--is the main draw here, as more than a thousand entrants perform untold variations on the dish's main ingredients: fish, onions, pepper, and soy sauce--a culinary treat!