Welcome to
KĀ MOLOKAI MAKAHIKI 2023
42nd Modern Makahiki Festival
Hūlō, hūlō!! After two long years, the games are finally back!!! As we reflect on the lessons learned during the pandemic and forge our way into this new era, we re-focus our energies this makahiki season back to our piko, our Molokaʻi ʻ ōpio, and dedicate this year to growing our community.
Our theme,
“Hōʻeu, kukupu, ʻīnana. Kū i luna o ka moku”
translates to mean, “Awaken, rise up, and activate your potential. Take the lead here on this island”.
The theme is recognized as a call to our youth on Molokaʻi to rise up and ʻauamo kuleana as future leaders and protectors of our island and community.
May the older generation pass the torches of wisdom while the fires are still burning, so that our ʻōpio might see the path laid before them and not be led astray.
E ola ʻo Molokaʻi i kā kākou ʻōpio. Our Molokaʻi lives on through our ʻōpio.
E ola mau ka hoʻoilina o nā kūpuna. May the legacies of our forefathers live on.
**Please note, as we graciously ease our way back to hosting large community events we will not be throwing a Hoʻolauleʻa this year and will be focusing only on the Games and the Kaʻahele a Lono.
If you have questions, please contact Uʻi at 808-646-0180.
Makahiki Activities
Many Ways To Celebrate!
We will be updating and adding information as we can. Please check out each section for details. Mahalo!
Kaʻahele a Lono i Molokai
From Halawa to HaleoLono
The Lono banner will be carried from Halawa to HaleoLono over five days time, to visit each ahupuaʻa along the way, and each school, since the annual event in town is cancelled. See when he will be passing through your neighborhood, and how you can get involved!
Hawaiian Soul
Movie Showing and Lecture
Join writer/director ‘Āina Paikai at the debut public showing of the film Hawaiian Soul, based on the true story of our Molokai hero George Helm. ‘Āina will share some historical footage and behind the scenes footage along with the experience of working with Molokaians to bring this story to life again.
5p Thursday 1/26 outdoors at Mitchell Pauole Center.
Ano Koa Ki’eki’e
Adult Open Division Decathlon
Bring your skills, speed, strength and stamina to the Kaunakakai Ball Field for stiff competition, loads of fun and plenty of sportsmanship. Our join the wild crowd to cheer on your favorite athletes competing in TEN events to crown the champion Kane and Wahine. Registration opens at 5p, games underway at 5:30p, Friday 1/27.
Saturday Games
7:30a Kaunakakai Ball Park
Opening ceremonies begin at 7:30a followed by elementary, middle, high school competitions (Open to Molokai schools only), then the adult division.
Unfortunately,
no ho’olaule’a this year.