Molokai Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture

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Molokaʻi Arts & Culture

The oldest of Hawaiian chants describe the Hawaiian Islands, the spirits that inhabit them, the forces of nature that shaped them, and all the living things upon them as inextricably connected. This sense of connection is the foundation of Hawaiian culture: understanding that we all have a mandate to mālama, to care for, our environment and one another.

The people of Molokaʻi understand this in a very deep way. On this rustic, unspoiled island, they live their culture day in and day out, working with the land and the ocean to sustain their families.


Annual Cultural Events

Molokaʻi Ka Hula Piko - May/June
In Molokaʻi traditions, hula was first danced at kāʻana, a place on Maunaloa in West Molokaʻi. That’s where the birth of hula is celebrated annually by Molokaʻi kumu hula, dancers, and the community with educational excursions, lectures and a hoʻolauleʻa (festival).

Molokaʻi Canoe Festivals Kulāia Hoʻolauleʻa - September
Two of the most well-known outrigger canoe paddling races in Hawaiʻi are the Molokaʻi Hoe and Wāhine O Ke Kai, both running from Molokaʻi to Oʻahu. In recent years, the traditional canoe race festival on Molokaʻi has been revived, giving locals and visitors an opportunity to celebrate and share the best of Molokaʻi.

Festivals of Aloha - October
The annual Festivals of Aloha honor Hawaiian heritage with royal pageantry, parades, street parties, concerts and activities for the entire family. The main event on Molokaʻi features the investiture of the royal court, cooking contests with Hawaiian ingredients, a youth talent show and more.

Ka Molokaʻi Makahiki - January
Molokaʻi observes the Native Hawaiian Makahiki season with traditional athletic competitions, ceremonies dedicated to the god Lono, celebrations of renewal and perpetuation of the life cycle and a prohibition on warfare and strife. Ka Molokaʻi Makahiki has proudly coordinated and continued these cultural traditions and practices for over 30 years. The four-month long season begins in mid-October and involves all of Molokaʻi's elementary schools, middle school and high school - as well as many adults.