QKC to celebrate Queen Ka‘ahumanu’s birthday
Hawaiian Culture
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As part of monthly efforts to enhance community education and awareness, Queen Ka'ahumanu Center in Kahului this month is celebrating the birthday of the queen it's named after.
The shopping center, along with 'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu and KPOA Radio, invite the community to celebrate Queen Ka'ahumanu's 249th birthday on Friday and Saturday. The festivities throughout the month of March, "Let's Celebrate Queen Ka'ahumanu's Legacy Together," also include an array of family entertainment and activities, along with a historical display at The Story of Hawai'i History Museum.
From 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, a celebration in honor of Queen Ka'ahumanu's birthday will be held. This special ceremony will be conducted by the 'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu Society and will include oli, or chant; pule, or blessing; history; hula; mele, or song; and draping of lei on the queen's statue at the shopping center. Following protocol, QKC and KPOA will present Kama'aina Nights with a performance by Nahelu.
The 'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu Society will be the only group to drape lei on the queen's statue Friday evening. Members of the public are invited to bring lei for draping to Guest Services and are asked to be respectful of the queen's statue and surrounding areas.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the celebration continues with a birthday festival dedicated to Her Majesty that includes Hawaiian entertainment, cultural activities, educational booths and history. The 'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu Society will also be on hand for further information and will sell society
T-shirts to support its fundraising efforts to educate and perpetuate Queen Ka'ahumanu's legacy.
In addition, students from kindergarten to 12th grade are asked to participate in the Queen Ka'ahumanu Student Art Contest by submitting art in any medium 8.5 inches by11 inches in size. Further details and applications are available at www.queenkaahumanucenter.com.
"We are delighted to enhance the celebration of Queen Ka'ahumanu this year by involving our community. We are committed to honoring Her Majesty's legacy through this annual celebration and are excited to include the student art contest, encouraging students to learn more about this powerful queen and depict her in their own personal style," says Toni Rojas, marketing director.
"The 'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu is one of only four Hawaiian Benevolent Royal Societies, Rojas added. "They are committed to the legacy and perpetuation of Queen Ka'ahumanu, and we are proud to join them in this special celebration."
For more information, visit www.queenkaahumanucenter.com or head to the QKC Guest Services desk.