Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce

Saturday, April 21, 2012
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Keauhou Beach Resort
FREE to the public

Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce and University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program

The Earth and Ocean Festival is designed to showcase and emphasize the unique treasures of Hawaii Island via booths and educational activities on coral reef and ocean stewardship, traditional Hawaiian cultural practices, products and foods made in Hawaii, education on conservation practices in Hawaii, film and slide presentations, and features Hawaiian entertainment, including hula performances and musicians/singers.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

The Earth & Ocean Festival at Keauhou is a community based event presented by the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce and the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program. Many community organizations and agencies collaborate to share information and educate participants about preserving the fragile ecosystem of Hawaii Island.  The Festival provides a unique opportunity for individuals, businesses and community leaders to support this effort and serve as a steward to raise awareness and respect for sustainable living and business practices.

Through this event, organizers have been raising awareness of environmental issues through fun, educational and cultural activities.  Families are encouraged to stroll through the grounds and meet "Humu" the walking, talking fish.  Learn from ReefTeach, Fish for Knowledge about the Sea and participate in tide pool adventures, whale and dolphin games. Cultural experts will share their crafts and teach poi pounding, lei making and lauhala weaving.  There will be entertainment provided by Hawaiian groups plus food made fresh from Big Island products.

Cultural Activities: Experience the cultural value of Hawaiian Arts through demonstrations and interactions with the artisans and their crafts.

• Lauhala Weavers – learn with master weavers how lauhala is woven into mats, hats, bookmarks and other objects
• Kaula Coconut Weaving – Ehu Kai O Puna will share how rope is made from coconut husk
• Kalo demonstration - Experience pounding Kalo into poi
• Kapa Making – demonstrating the traditional art of making Kapa cloth
• Pohaku Mana’o – students will shape lava rock into traditional hawaiian tools
• Lei Making –Learn how to make a ti leaf lei for you and your friends
• Kawa Tasting 

Entertainment: Darlene Ahuna

Food:  Enjoy locally made and sourced food created by award winning Chef Paul Heerlein and students from the University of Hawaii Food Service Program

Humu, the Walking Talking Fish:  Talk to Humu and his new friend as he strolls the grounds about our reefs and how we can care for Hawaii’s fragile ocean environment.

Flag Contest:  Enjoy a beautiful display of Earth Day Flags created by students from our community using themes from the ocean and land to Protect, Sustain, Shop Smart, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Respect. Individual winners and class winners  will be announced during the Fair for each category Grades 1 & 2 and Grades 3 – 5. The winning classes will be given a shave ice party.