Liko aʻela nā lālā nolu pē i ka ua Kilihune speaks to renewal, growth, and the gentle rains and abundance of the Makahiki season. The theme honors Laka, associated with our native forests and hula, and her relationship with Lono during Makahiki. According to some moʻolelo, Laka is the wife of Lono, and it is during Makahiki that Lono brings the southern rains that fall upon the forests, nourishing her kinolau such as ʻōhiʻa lehua, lama, ʻieʻie, maile, and ʻaʻaliʻi. These rains saturate the earth, causing new growth to emerge as branches glisten and leaves sway and bend in the gentle rain.
This imagery reflects the intimate connection between Laka and Lono during Makahiki, a season defined by renewal, fertility, and balance. As the forests respond to the rains, hula too is enlivened, moving in rhythm with the natural world and carrying ʻike passed down through generations. In this way, Laka, hula, and our forests play a vital role in Makahiki, sustaining both the cultural and ecological life of our island. This year, Kā Molokaʻi Makahiki is guided by this connection.
This imagery reflects the intimate connection between Laka and Lono during Makahiki, a season defined by renewal, fertility, and balance. As the forests respond to the rains, hula too is enlivened, moving in rhythm with the natural world and carrying ʻike passed down through generations. In this way, Laka, hula, and our forests play a vital role in Makahiki, sustaining both the cultural and ecological life of our island. This year, Kā Molokaʻi Makahiki is guided by this connection.
2026 Event details
Thursday, January 22, 2026
paʻani makahiki ʻopio- Middle & High School division Decathlon
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9am at the Kaunakakai Ball Park.
Welcoming back off-island competitors. Middle & High competitions are by invitation only. Must have signed waiver to compete. Games include: Moa pāheʻe, ʻulumaika, kūkini (100yrd & 440yrd), uma, pā uma, haka moa, ʻōʻō ihe, pōhaku hoʻoikaika, and hukihuki. |
ʻAno Koa Kiʻekiʻe- Adult Division Decathlon
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Registration opens at 5:00pm competition to begin at 6:00pm at the Kaunakakai Ball Park.
Games include: Hukihuki, Uma, Pā uma, ʻulumaika, moa pāheʻe, kūkini (100yd & 400yd), pōhaku hoʻoikaika, ʻōʻō ihe, and hakamoa. Kane & Wahine divisions, ages 16+ welcome to participate. Ages 16-17 need parent permission via signed waiver. Food concession booth will be open at the event. |
Friday, January 23, 2026
paʻani makahiki keiki division- elementary school games
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Opening ceremony beings at 4:00pm at the Kaunakakai Ball Park.
Elementary school game compettions to follow. Food booths will open after ceremony! |
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Panel & Exhibit
In partnership with Ka Ipu Makani Cultural Heritage Center, the Hawaiʻi Council for Humanities, and the UH Mānoa Center for Oral History, Kā Molokaʻi Makahiki will host a panel and exhibit honoring the hula lineages of Molokaʻi and the enduring role of hula within Makahiki traditions. This program will take place from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Mitchell Pauʻole Center.
This program is presented as part of By the People: Conversations Beyond 250, a national series of community driven conversations developed by humanities councils in collaboration with local partners. The initiative was created by the Federation of State Humanities Councils in partnership with the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage to support public dialogue rooted in local history, culture, and lived experience.
This program is presented as part of By the People: Conversations Beyond 250, a national series of community driven conversations developed by humanities councils in collaboration with local partners. The initiative was created by the Federation of State Humanities Councils in partnership with the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage to support public dialogue rooted in local history, culture, and lived experience.
Hoʻolauleʻa
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Co hosted by Hālau Hula ʻo Molokaʻi, this evening Hoʻolauleʻa brings the community together to celebrate hula, ʻike, and the abundance of the Makahiki season. Held at the Kaunakakai Ball Park, the event begins at 5:00 pm and features hula performances by school groups, Hālau Hula ʻo Kilohana, Moana’s Hula Hālau, Hālau Hula ʻo Molokaʻi, Hālau Hula ʻo Kūkunaokalā, and Kalaʻionāmanu.
The evening also includes live entertainment by Hōlei, a native plant giveaway by the Molokaʻi Land Trust, the Ko Koa Uka Ko Koa Kai barter booth hosted by Sustʻāinable Molokaʻi and ʻĀina Momona, food and vendor booths, cultural demonstrations, and much more. Through these performances and activities, the Hoʻolauleʻa honors the role of hula and forest traditions associated with Laka during Makahiki, creating a space for celebration, gratitude, and renewal. |
mahalo to our sponsors & partners
