The second installment of Discover Kualoa will focus on the legendary Makahiki season—a traditional celebration in ancient Hawaiian history that coincided with the new year. Discover Kualoa hopes to spur on the revival of an in-depth knowledge and understanding of Makahiki, offering guests opportunities to partake in activities.

During Makahiki season, the ancient Hawaiians honored the god Lono who provided peace and a superior harvest. To do this, the ancient Hawaiians observed many religious ceremonies while celebrating the Hawaiian New Year. An established time of peace, Makahiki presented the people with a time to stop most work, make offerings and pray for health and prosperity.

CELEBRATE THE LEGACY OF KA‘A‘AWA AT FEBRUARY’S DISCOVER KUALOA

HONOLULU, HI (January 22, 2014) – To ramp up the celebration of the ancient and fabled Makahiki season, the second installment of Discover Kualoa will highlight the cultural heritage of Kualoa Ranch’s gorgeous Ka‘a‘awa Ahupua‘a. On Saturday, February 15, 2014, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., event attendees will experience the evolution of Ka‘a‘awa Valley like never before: an enlightening exploratory walk around Ka‘a‘awa, a Paniolo Tour, a fun Kid Zone courtesy of Kama‘aina Kids, traditional Hawaiian games and much more.

Presale admission tickets ($5+tax for adults, $3+tax for children) are available online at http://www.kualoa.com/discover-kualoa/. At the door, tickets cost $7+tax for adults, $5+tax for children. Kualoa Ranch also offers an exclusive “Discover Kualoa Experience Pass,” which grants attendees various event-only tours, such as the special Discover Kualoa Hike, Paniolo Cattle Ranch Tour, and movie site tour. Admission to individual tours may also be purchased at the door.

This three month-long festival celebrates Makahiki season and kicked off in January. February’s event will celebrate the cultural legacy of Ka‘a‘awa and March will remember the story of Kualoa through traditional and modern Hawaiian song and dance. Also, the individual events are held on different parts of the ranch: January in Ahupua’a Hakipu’u, February in Ahupua’a Ka’a’awa and March in Ahupua’a Kualoa.

Visit http://discover.kualoa.com/ for more information, or join the conversation on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DiscoverKualoa.

Discover Kualoa is part of a larger campaign of events known as “Discover Our Islands” that was launched to recognize and honor Hawai‘i’s unique culture. Neighborhoods across the state — including Kaka‘ako, North Shore, Waikiki and Maui — hold similar events throughout the year, recognizing the unique characteristics and features of each area.