History

Kā Molokai Makahiki 2026

Thursday, January 29th, 2026

By Léo Azambuja

For more than four decades, the Makahiki on Molokai has fostered community bonding and cultural preservation. The Makahiki games strengthen Molokai’s unique identity as a bountiful island and influential community while serving as a platform for young children, youth and adults to engage in sports and cultural activities.

“There was a group of people that came together and said, ‘Why don’t we try and see if the young generation would be interested in Makahiki games, Hawaiian games,’ and nobody thought that it would work. So, here we are 45 years later,” Hawaiian activist and cultural practitioner Walter Ritte said at the opening ceremony of the Kā Molokai Makahiki 2026 at Kaunakakai Ball Park Jan.…

Princess Kaʻiulani, the Island Rose

Thursday, November 6th, 2025

By Léo Azambuja

She was a surfer, an artist and a writer. She spoke four languages. She was a princess and the heir to the throne of the Hawaiian Kingdom, a nation stolen by the descendants of the people the Hawaiians had welcomed with their aloha.  

“The missionaries came here to us and taught us to look to Heaven for happiness, and while our eyes were on the skies they have taken our land from under our feet,” Princess Kaʻiulani said in an interview to The San Francisco Call newspaper Aug. 7, 1898.

Awaiulu head researcher Kalei Roberts highlighted the life of Princess Victoria Kaʻiulani Kawēkiu i Lunalilo Kalaninuiahilapalapa Cleghorn during October’s E Hoʻomanaʻo series event at Molokai Public Library Oct.…

Lonoikamakahiki

Thursday, January 16th, 2025

Mo’oLono o Molokai News Release

Throughout time, our kupuna have marked the transition of Makahiki season with observations, ceremonies, competitions and festivities. Today, we continue to evolve and pull forward the most meaningful and appropriate traditions of the generations before us, while ensuring we remain relevant, inspiring and profoundly grounded as kanaka to honor our pilina to our kupuna, akua and Molokai.

In that spirit, the Mo’oLono of Molokai will once again commence a ka’ahele across the island, carrying the ki’i of Lonomakua from Halawa to Kaluako’i, and all are invited to join in.

Our goal is to recognize the abundance of blessings in our community, to honor the health of the land, ocean, air and water, to assess the needs that require political, social or physical interventions or remedies, to build aloha between people in our community, and to celebrate Molokai Nui a Hina.…

Prince Kuhio Play Brings History to Life 

Thursday, November 21st, 2024

As part of the Hawaii Pono’i Coalition, a play honoring the late Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana’ole Pi’ikoi came to Molokai for a special performance at Kulana ‘Oiwi. In collaboration with the Ho’olehua Homesteaders Association, the play sought to educate audiences on the biography and character of one of Hawaii’s most famous leaders. 

Written by Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl and directed by Sammie Choy, the play covers the life of Prince Kuhio. Starting with his early years in Hawaii and adoption by his aunt and uncle Queen Kapi’olani and King Kalakaua, the play follows Kuhio’s journey throughout the turbulent years of the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii, subsequent rebellion, imprisonment, and eventual career as Hawaii’s delegate to the U.S.…

Play Honoring Prince Kuhio Coming to Molokai

Thursday, November 7th, 2024

Hawaii Pono’i Coalition News Release

The Hawaii Ponoʻi Coalition proudly presents Ke Kaua o Ka Lahui: The Life of Prince
Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana‘ole Pi‘ikoi, a compelling living history play that captures the essence and
accomplishments of Prince Kuhio. Written by acclaimed playwright Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl and
directed by Sammie Choy, this moving production brings to life the impactful legacy of one of
Hawaii’s most significant leaders and cultural advocates. Originally debuted at ‘Iolani Palace in
September 2022 as part of Hawaiian History Month, this performance returns to deepen
connections to Kuhio’s enduring influence on Hawaiian identity, leadership, and civic
responsibility.
Ke Kaua o Ka Lahui traces the journey of Prince Kuhio from his early years as a young royal to
his lifelong dedication to Hawaii’s people.…