Ka Molokai Makahiki Festival is an annual and traditional event celebrated at Luau in Hawaii. The festival is often referred to as the ‘ancient Hawaiian games’ and is one of the largest sporting events on the island. Ka Molokai Makahiki Festivals in the past years have been celebrated with a great deal of enthusiasm and vigor, which continues till date!
Makahiki is dedicated in the preservation of ancient Hawaiian customs and traditions.
The Makahiki Committee helps others organize their own diverse Makahiki games by providing them with trainers and all the essential materials.
Ka Molokai Makahiki Festival is a time to rejoice in past glories by carrying on Hawaiian traditions. The festival is sure to bring a sense of pride into every Hawaiian soul by making
it a celebration fit for the gods!
So this January don’t miss out on the Ka Molokai Makahiki Festival 2011, and witness the rebirth of ancient Hawaiian traditions.
Ka Molokai Makahiki Festival History
According to an ancient Hawaiian legend, it was during the Makahiki season that Captain Cook arrived in Hawaii to be welcomed with a grand reception.
The “Makahiki” denotes that period of time which falls after the harvest season when wars and battles ended. The taxes and tributes were paid to the ruling chiefs by each district. Festive events took place along with various sporting and organized events during makahiki season. The laws ruling the tribes or ‘kapu’ are set aside and during this time making way for festivities and thanksgiving
Everyday deities are substituted with images of Lomo, which is represented by a staff bearing similarities to the sails of a ship. This was done to replicate Captain Cook’s ship and his arrival on the island.
Ka Molokai Makahiki Festival Events

Ka Molokai Festival is celebrated with ancient Hawaii games like ‘huki-huki’ or tug-of-war, ‘Ulumaika’ or lawn bowling, ‘Uma’ or arm wrestling and of course ‘hula’ dancing. Exquisite and mouth-watering Hawaiian cuisine is served up on this day of jubilation.
Throughout the festival Molokai comes alive with a string of activities and competitions like arts and crafts workshops, educational exhibits and lectures, oil competitions and many other traditional activities.
For more information about the upcoming and current year’s events at the Ka Molokai Festival, please call 808-553-3673.
Entrance fee & Tickets:
Entry to the festival is FREE.
Ka Molokai Makahiki Festival Date & Timings:
January 2011 (after the harvest)
7.30am-4.30pm
Venue: The Mitchell Pauole Center, Kaunakakai Town.
Contact Details:
2270 Kalakaua Avenue, Suite 801,
Honolulu, HI 96815-2568.
Telephone: +1 808 923 1811
Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau
2270 Kalakaua Avenue, Suite 801, Honolulu, HI 96815-2568
Telephone: +1 808 923 1811