The Keauhou Beach Resort on the Big Island is offering a great variety of events and programs. Here is a schedule of events and activities taking place at the resort through 2010 and into 2011.
MAMo Native Hawaiian Arts Market & Cultural Festival
May 16, 2010, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Keauhou Beach Resort has partnered with PA`I Foundation to host the MAMo Native Hawaiian Arts Market and Cultural Festival which will feature more than 25 native Hawaiian visual artists, cultural demonstrations and performing artists. Information: www.maoliartsmonth.org.
Kona Marathon and Family Fun Runs
June 26 & 27, 2010
Keauhou Beach Resort is the official host hotel of the Kona Marathon, West Hawaii’s premier road race. Registration and packet pickup is at the hotel on June 26, with the Kona Marathon on June 27. Nearly 2000 runners of all ages participate. The start and finish is at the Keauhou Beach Resort. Information: www.konamarathon.com.
Lavaman Keauhou and Lavaman Keauhou Expo
August 28 & 29, 2010
This Olympic distance triathlon is put on by Hawaii Sports Connection and is open to elite triathletes as well as participants and relay teams of all ages and levels. The two-lap course through Keauhou Resort includes a 1.5k swim, 40k bike ride and a 10k run, with a number of vantage points where spectators can cheer on the athletes. Lavaman Keauhou for Kids and the Keiki Dash & Picnic will be held August 28. Information: www.lavamantriathlon.com.
Ho`okahi Pu`ui Wai i ka Hula – Hula Camp
October 26-29, 2010
This is a hula retreat for hula practitioners, hula lovers, and those interested in hula, its stories and traditions. All are welcome no matter what level of experience. The program will include workshops, field trip to sites in Kona, and evening entertainment. The retreat will conclude with a field trip to Kilauea Volcanoes National Park. Participants will walk away from this retreat with the knowledge of implement making (`uli`uli, ipu heke, kala`au, and many others), traditional hula adornments, as well as to learn hula dances and chants. Fee. Information: Kumu Keala Ching, Keauhou Beach Resort, 808-324-2553.
Kona Coffee Festival
November 5-14, 2010
Coffee lovers from around the world descend on the Big Island each November for the Kona Coffee Festival. A long list of coffee-laced events are held at the Keauhou Beach Resort throughout the festival, including the prestigious Gevalia Kona Coffee Cupping Competition where Kona Coffee farms compete to be named the finest Kona coffee in the state. Other activities held at the hotel during the festival include the Gevalia Kona Coffee Art Exhibit, Keauhou Resort Kona Coffee Label & Website Competition, Kona Coffee Quilt Contest & Show, Lauhala Weaving Workshop, and the
Kona Coffee Council Dinner & Benefit Auction. Information: www.konacoffeefest.com.
Tribute to King David La`amea Kalakaua
November 20, 2010
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Guests are welcome to join in honoring the last reigning king of Hawaii. King Kalakaua, known as the Merrie Monarch, was credited with reviving the hula, so in his honor, hula halau from Hawaii Island, Oahu, California, Europe and Japan will perform both kahiko (ancient style) and `auana (modern style). The day is a unique opportunity for kumu hula (teachers and master of hula) to showcase the work of their haumana (students) in a non-competitive environment. Food & beverage and Hawaiian arts & crafts will be available for sale. This is a unique opportunity to share the oli (chants), mele (songs), hula (dances) and olelo (stories) of Hawaii. Information: Kumu Keala Ching, Keauhou Beach Resort, 808-324-2553.
He`lei Hiwa no `Iolani Festival
January 29, 2011
Held in honor of famous hula dancer `Iolani Luahine, this is a day filled with learning and sharing the traditions of the Hawaiian art of hula. Workshops are led by some of Hawaii’s most respected kumu hula (teachers) and the day culminates with a celebration of hula. Fee. Information: Kumu Keala Ching, Keauhou Beach Resort, 808-324-2553.
Huli Ka Niu – Seek for Coconuts Easter Egg Hunt
April 23, 2011
9 a.m. to 12 noon
The resort is putting a Hawaiian spin on the traditional Easter egg hunt. Instead of eggs, keiki will search for coconuts hidden throughout the Royal Luau Gardens, which they can turn in for prizes. A fun celebration for the entire family. Information: Kumu Keala Ching, Keauhou Beach Resort, 808-324-2553.
MAMo Native Hawaiians Arts & Cultural Festival
May 21, 2011
The Keauhou Beach Resort has partnered with PA`I Foundation to host the MAMo Native Hawaiian Arts Market and Cultural Festival which will feature more than 25 native Hawaiian visual artists, cultural demonstrations and performing artists. This is a rare opportunity to meet the artists that create wonderful works of art, perfect for any collection. There will be something for everyone, a keiki art tent, handcrafted items and fine contemporary art work. Information: www.maoliartsmonth.org.
Information: Kumu Keala Ching, Keauhou Beach Resort, 808-324-2553
Ongoing Cultural Programs at the Keauhou Beach Resort
Guests, visitors and residents are invited to enjoy a number of ongoing free cultural programs offered throughout the week at Keauhou Beach Resort. Learn the basics of Hawaiian chanting, beginning hula, or conversational Hawaiian language with Hawaiian cultural expert and hula teacher Kumu Keala Ching. Guests can view a keiki (children) hula show in the Verandah lounge, or visit with island kupuna (elders) as they “talk story” and present their crafts. Information: Kumu Keala Ching, Keauhou Beach Resort, 808-324-2553.
