Lahaina Restoration Foundation, with assistance from the staff at Old Lahaina Lu'au, will host a Makahiki celebration from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Campbell Park in Lahaina.
Cultural liaison Kekoa Yap will open the festivities with an oli and blessing at 1 p.m., followed by an explanation of the history and significance of makahiki.
In ancient Hawaii, games of skill, strength and wit were played during the Makahiki season, which officially began when the constellation Pleiades was first observed rising above the horizon at sunset. The four-month Makahiki season in honor of the god Lono marked a temporary halt to war and was a time of feasting and competitive games.
The event will feature games including ulu maika (similar to lawn bowling), oo ihe (spear throwing), huki huki (tug of war), konane (similar to checkers) and more.
There will be freshly husked coconuts and water available throughout the event.
Game pieces will be provided by Ka'anapali Beach Hotel. In addition, the Maui County Office of Economic Development is providing financial support for the free public event.
