October 9: Hawaii Pacific Islands Kava Festival brings music, education, culture

The Hawaii Pacific Islands Kava Festival, also known in Hawai’i as the ‘Awa Festival, features many aspects of ‘awa as central to culture for Hawai’i and the Pacific Islands. The festival celebrates ‘awa as an important and fundamental aspect of Hawaiian culture and a treasure for Hawai’i's people and the world.

Festivities include live local music, educational and cultural booths, ‘awa sampling, ‘awa plants, ‘apu making workshop, preparation demos, pa’i'ai/poi pounding, and food booths. Hawai’i's ‘awa serving bars and cafes will also be serving the public. In addition, a traditional Hawaiian kapu ‘awa ceremony will be performed honoring VIPs who have made contributions in culture, education, and science.

The festival will also host cultural and scientific talks in the ‘awa garden on site.

Entertainers for the day include Jeff Peterson, Johnny Helm, Kupa’aina, Mike Love, One Right Turn, Evasive Species (Shawn Mosely and Stephen Inglis), Michael Tanenbaum, Kanoho Helm, Matty McIntire, and Halau Mele.

Hawaii Pacific Islands Kava Festival
Saturday, October 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
UH Manoa main campus, on McCarthy mall
Free admission
Parking on street or on campus
Kavafestival.org