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May 16 & 17 | 10:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
HAWAIIAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL
A CELEBRATION OF PELE AND HI‘IAKA
Follow the epic journey of sisters Pele and Hi‘iaka as they travel from the islands of
Kahiki to the Hawaiian Islands. In a dream state, Pele travels to the island of Kaua‘i
and falls in love with Lohi‘au, an ali‘i (royalty) of the island. When Pele awakens,
she is too weak to travel and begs her younger sister to fetch Lohi‘au for her.
The program includes hula, chanting, storytelling, traditional and contemporary
Hawaiian music, food demonstrations, and hands-on activities for all ages.
Ongoing Programs
Traditional Kapa Making
Dalani Tanahy
Potomac Alcove–Level 1
Traditional Lei Making
William “Bill” Char
Potomac Alcove–Level 1
Traditional Featherwork
and Adornment
Taryn Lelea‘e Wong
Moses William Goods, III
Potomac Alcove–Level 1
Ongoing Hands-on activities
Lei La‘i (Ti Leaf Lei Making)
Recommended for ages 5 and up.
Upper Potomac–Level 1
Kapa Stamping
Recommended for ages 5 and up.
Upper Potomac–Level 1
Traditional Hawaiian Games
Recommended for ages 5 and up.
imagiNATIONS Activity
Center–Level 3
Special Timed Programs
11:00 a.m.
Interactive Storytelling
Pele: The Fire Goddess
Missy Scalph
imagiNATIONS Activity
Center–Level 1
11:30 a.m.
Traditional Foods of Hawai‘i
Food Demonstration
Jerome Grant, Executive Chef
Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe
Mitsitam Espresso
Coffee Bar –Level 1
11:30 a.m.
Children’s Film
Pele Searches for a Home
Elmer and Louise
Rasmuson Theater–Level 1
12:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Traditional Hawaiian
Storytelling
Taryn Lelea‘e Wong
Moses William Goods, III
Kealoha Kelekolio
Elmer and Louise
Rasmuson Theater–Level 1
12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Hawaiian Hula and Music
The Aloha Boys (Saturday)
Halau
- Ho‘omau I Ka Wai
Ola O Hawai‘i (Sunday)
Potomac Atrium–Level 1
1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Hawaiian Hula and Music
Halau
- O ‘Aulani (Saturday)
Halau
- Nohona Hawai‘i (Sunday)
Potomac Atrium–Level 1
NMAI gratefully acknowledges the contributions of our partner, the Office of
Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), and recognizes OHA for its generous support
of this annual festival since 2007
All programs are subject to change.
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is a unique, independent state entity established
in 1978 through the Hawaiʻi State Constitution responsible for bettering the
conditions of Hawai‘i’s indigenous people (Native Hawaiians) through advocacy
and asset management. OHA is governed by a board of nine trustees elected
- Aloha – “ To Raise a
by the voters of Hawaiʻi. OHAʻs mission is Hoʻoulu Lahui
Beloved Nation.” OHA strives to malama
(protect) Hawaiʻiʻs first people and
environmental resources as well as OHAʻs assets, working to ensure the
perpetuation of their culture, the enhancement of their lifestyle, and the
protection of entitlements of Native Hawaiians. By these means and many
others, OHA works to enable the building of a strong and healthy Native
Hawaiian people and nation, recognized both nationally and internationally. For more information, visit www.oha.org.