Kaloko-Honokōhau National Park ServiceU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Historical ParkHawaiʻi

Kau Makali i̒ - The Season of the Makahiki Ritual

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In a season of renewal and rejuvenation, the traditions of Kau Makaliʻi remind us to reconnect with the cycles of nature to find balance within ourselves and the lands, waters, and resources that sustain us.

As the Sun makes its southern descent toward Ke Ala Polohiwa ā Kanaloa (the Tropic of Capricorn), practitioners of ka hoʻomana kahiko (traditional religious practice) once again look to observe the signs of Kau Makali‘i – the season of the Makahiki ritual. By noting celestial and environmental phe-nomenon, kahuna (priest-seers) reset the

lunar calendar during this time each year. In this way Kau Makaliʻi functions as both the begining and end of the annual cycle of rituals and observations performed at heiau (temple). This period of time, which falls on the lunar months of ʻIkuwā, Welehu, and Makaliʻi, is dedicated to the akua (god) Lono.

Lono, a deified personification of oxygen and the atmospheric forces of nature, serves to ignite subtle energies within the atmo-sphere, bringing rains and releasing nutrients necessary to ensure growth and collective abundance.

Lono Makua In the Makahiki ritual an image of Lono, called Akua Loa, traveled a route across the moku (district) in a ritualized survey of the wealth and productivity of the land. A smaller twin image – called Akua Poko – remained within each area for the duration of this observation.

Maka Wahine Also called Akua Pā‘ani, this kiʻi (carved image) presided over a tourna-ment dedicated to Lono. Before the Maka Wahine, contestants competed in the sport of Mokomoko (boxing), with each contes-tant displaying his greatest feats of strength and skill in sight of his ancestors, gods, and people.

Rejuvenation During Kau Makaliʻi Lono is personified, placing an emphasis on creative activity, renewal, and the cycles of nature. The traditions of Lono remind people to make concious efforts in maintaining the balance within ourselves and one another, as well as with the lands, waters, and resources that sustain us.

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The Arrival of Makali’i

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Mokomoko at KealakekuaDepiction of the Akua Loa

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Today Makahiki is observed as a joyous time where games and competitions take place to celebrate Hawaiian tradition. Wrestling matches and spear throwing draw in crowds and challenge strength and agility. ‘Ulu maika (stone disk rolling) and moa pahe‘e (slid-ing darts) serve to test skill and accuracy. While kōnane (a strategy game) and ‘ōlelo ho‘onanenane (riddling) strengthen the intel-lect, with the flawless recital of mo‘okū‘auhau (genealogical chants) being the most impres-sive and celebrated feat of mind.

Kau Makaliʻi Today Annual Children’s Festival Held every November for two days to celebrate the start of the Makahiki season, the park invites over 500 fourth graders from local schools for an educational experience in the park. A traditional ceremony begins the day with the procession of the Akua Loa, followed by the presentation of an oli (chant) and hoʻokupu (gifts) by the schools. Following the cer-emony, the children participate in learning stations related to traditional Hawaiian activi-ties, as well as other park related educational topics- such as protecting our oceans, native birds and plants.

The procession of the Akua Loa marks the beginning of the annual Children’s Festival.

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Students participate in a hands on hula learning station at the annual Children’s Festival.

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For Hawaiian cultural practitioners, donning traditional garments perpetuates cultural identity and enables them to engage in native thought and practice. Here, the perpetuation of Makahiki traditions has become an impor-tant way local communities commemorate the passage of time and celebrate ancestral wis-dom. Across the islands, images of the Lono

Makua walk their traditional routes, carried forth by men and women garbed in white, as the ancient prayers are spoken once more.

Ola i ka wai a ka ‘ōpua.There is life in the water from the clouds.

Cultural Identity

Cultural practitioners are essential in perpetuating traditions so traditional Hawaiian values and practices thrive now and into the future.

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