HiP 097 Honolulu Festival and Legend of Lono

Hawaii Posts

00:00 / 36:58

Aloha, listeners! Welcome to another vibrant week in the islands. As we step into March, the spirit of spring fills the air, bringing with it the excitement of upcoming events and the anticipation of spring break festivities. This week, we’re shining a spotlight on the much-anticipated Honolulu Festival, a celebration that embodies the rich tapestry of Pacific cultures. So, let’s jump into what’s happening!

Olelo Hawaii. HIP hawaiian word of the week

While we’d love to say that Hawaii Posts’ ʻŌlelo Hawaiian Word of the Week counts as continuing education, you might want to check with your HR department or state regulatory board before adding it to your résumé. But hey, if they approve it, let us know—we’ll start handing out honorary PhDs in Pidgin next!

Hawaiian word: Makahiki

1:Year, age; annual, yearly (sometimes written MH.)

2: Ancient festival beginning about the middle of October and lasting about four months, with sports and religious festivities and taboo on war; this is now replaced by Aloha Week.

Honolulu Festival Preview

Mark your calendars for the 29th Annual Honolulu Festival, set to take place from March 7 to March 9, 2025. This festival is a cornerstone of cultural exchange, featuring vibrant performances, educational programs, and a grand parade that lights up Waikiki. The theme for this year is “Bridging Cultures, Together for a Peaceful Tomorrow”, emphasizing unity and shared heritage.

Festival Highlights:

•Cultural Performances: Experience traditional and contemporary dance, music, and art from various Pacific Rim cultures at venues like the Hawaii Convention Center and Waikiki Beach Walk.

•Craft Fair & Exhibition: Explore a diverse array of crafts and artworks, offering a glimpse into the artistic traditions of Hawaii and beyond.

•Grand Parade: Don’t miss the festival’s climax on Sunday, March 9, as colorful floats and performers parade down Kalakaua Avenue, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of the Pacific.

For more details and a complete schedule, visit the Honolulu Festival’s official website.

FEATURE Hawaiian Lore:

Lono and the Gift of Rain

Long ago, before the islands of Hawaiʻi were lush and green, a great drought plagued the land. The rivers ran dry, the crops withered, and the people prayed to the gods for relief. Among the many deities, one heard their cries—Lono, the god of rain, agriculture, and fertility.

Lono descended from the heavens, draped in white kapa, carrying a great cloud upon his back. As he traveled across the islands, he taught the people the secrets of planting and harvesting, showing them how to honor the land. He introduced them to kalo (taro), ʻuala (sweet potato), and other life-sustaining crops, ensuring they would never go hungry again.

Moved by the people’s devotion, Lono called upon the skies. The heavens rumbled, and warm rains fell upon the land. Streams and rivers swelled, forests flourished, and the fields turned vibrant green once more. The people rejoiced, celebrating Lono with hula, chants, and feasts.

In honor of his gift, the Makahiki festival was born, a time of peace and gratitude. Each year, the people laid down their weapons and paid tribute to Lono, thanking him for the rain that gave them life. To this day, his spirit is remembered in the gentle rains that nourish the land, a reminder that abundance comes to those who respect and honor the gods.

Sound effects and flutes:

Weather Forecast: March 1 – March 7, 2025

Summary:

Spring is arriving in full force with warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and breezy trade winds keeping things comfortable. Expect the warmest day on March 1 and the coolest night on March 6. March 6 and 7 bring an increased chance of showers, but nothing that will rain on your parade—just light passing showers mainly in the evenings.

Sunrise 6:45 a

Sunset 6:35 p

🌞 Best Beach Days: March 1 & March 2 (Driest and warmest days)

🌬 Windiest Day: March 3 (Trade winds strongest)

🌧 Most Likely Rain: March 7 (Wettest day)

❄ Coolest Night: March 6 (Best night to cozy up!)

The perfect mix of sun, breeze, and just enough rain to keep the islands lush. Whether you’re out surfing, stargazing, or enjoying the Honolulu Festival, this week’s weather is looking pretty sweet!

Surf Report

Surfers and beachgoers, here’s the latest on the waves:

•North Shore: Moderate swells around 4-6 feet, ideal for intermediate surfers.

•South Shore: Smaller waves at 2-4 feet, perfect for beginners and longboard enthusiasts.

•East Shore: Choppy conditions with waves between 3-5 feet due to consistent trade winds.

•West Shore: Generally calm with occasional sets reaching up to 3 feet.

Safety Tip: Always check local conditions and heed lifeguard advice before heading out, as weather and surf can change rapidly.

Night Sky

Stargazers, here’s what to look for in the Hawaiian skies this week:

•Moon Phase: Waxing crescent transitioning to half moon on March 6.

•Planets Visible:

• Venus is brilliant in the early eve sky setting at 8:45

• Saturn rises just before dawn, offering a pre-sunrise spectacle. but set at 7pm

•Jupiter dominates the late evening sky, setting around 1 am.

•Mars is visible in the early evening, setting by 4 am

Astronomical Highlight: On March 5, look west after sunset to catch a conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter, appearing close together in the sky—a delightful sight for both casual observers and enthusiasts.

Hawaii Last Week in review

Local Politics:

In a move that suggests lawmakers have been binge-watching too many action movies, Hawaii legislators are advancing a bill to impose stricter guidelines on police chases. This comes after a Chronicle investigation revealed over 3,300 deaths due to police pursuits, many initiated for minor infractions. The proposed legislation would limit chases to serious offenses like felonies and assaults, requiring detailed reporting for each pursuit. Pro-criminal policies are a plague across the united states and hawaii is not immune to such liberal insanity

Local News:

In a tale that could inspire the next true-crime podcast, Gordon Cordeiro was freed after spending 30 years in prison for a murder he maintained he didn’t commit. New DNA evidence led to his release, and one of his first actions was visiting his mother’s grave. Adjusting to modern life, Cordeiro marveled at ubiquitous cellphones and other technological advancements. It’s a stark reminder of how much the world can change while justice takes its sweet time.

On a more somber note, professional surfer Makai McNamara is in a coma after a freak accident at Banzai Pipeline. A large wave wiped him out, sending him headfirst into the reef. Fellow surfers and lifeguards performed CPR, reviving him before he was placed in an induced coma. The surfing community is rallying around McNamara, highlighting the inherent risks of chasing the perfect wave.

Tourism:

In a classic case of “the grass is always greener,” “Yellowstone” actress Barret Swatek and her husband are auctioning their $65 million Maui estate to relocate to Alabama. The 21,700-square-foot beachfront property boasts eight bedrooms, a wine room, gym, and a 75-foot swimming pool. Despite the luxurious amenities and stunning ocean views, the couple longs for the charm of Alabama’s horse farms. Bidding starts between $17.5 million and $35 million, so if you’ve got some spare change, now’s your chance to own a slice of paradise that couldn’t compete with Southern hospitality.

Meanwhile, Hawaiian Airlines is now accepting surfboards, bicycles, and golf clubs as standard checked baggage on all flights. Previously, travelers had to pay extra to bring their beloved boards and bikes. This change aligns with Hawaii’s reputation as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. So, pack your gear and hit the waves without worrying about extra fees—just don’t forget the sunscreen better take advantage of it while it lasts because people will grumble just like they did with the super ferry, The complaint was the shipping lanes were dangerous to whales and the on slot of cars rolling off the ferry added to traffic and filled in any limited available parking spots at public beaches. I can see the beach parking issue. But the hidden reason was special interests, financial and political agendas. The Superferry was not staffed by unionized crew, apparently that’s a no no. The ships traveled in the same shipping lanes as the cargo ships and whales can take care of themselves. Financially, the car rental companies were losing money. Small farmers were stoked to pack their trucks and sell their goods at neighbor island farmer markets, but that rubbed smaller farmers the wrong way, and the seedier side of things was politics. Gov. Lingle was a Republican in a democrat state. The super ferry was an overwhelming success, and that can not be attributed to the opposing party. So the dominant party conspired with the usual suspects of protestors and picketers and public opinion was bent under pressure. Gov Lingle had to shut dow the only ferry system in the isalands and people were bummed but in their infinite short memory they re-elected the same knuckle heads that took away the super ferry.

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Top 5 Concerts This Week

While we eagerly await the Honolulu Festival, there’s plenty of live music to enjoy in the meantime. Here are the top 5 concerts happening this week:

1.Durand Jones & The Indications

•Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025

•Venue: The Republik, Honolulu

•Details: Immerse yourself in soulful rhythms and powerful vocals as Durand Jones & The Indications take the stage.

2.Subtronics with Zen Selekta, KAII, Noizu, and Sketch Muzic

•Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025

•Venue: Wai Kai Event Lawn, Ewa Beach

•Details: Experience an electrifying night of electronic music with Subtronics and special guests.

3.Alok Vaid-Menon

•Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2025

•Venue: Blue Note Hawaii, Honolulu

•Details: Join performance artist and poet Alok Vaid-Menon for an evening of thought-provoking art.

4.Red Nova

•Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025

•Venue: Blue Note Hawaii, Honolulu

•Details: Enjoy a night of dynamic performances with the energetic sounds of Red Nova.

5.Hawaii Symphony Orchestra: Beethoven Festival

•Date: Thursday, March 6, 2025

•Venue: Hawaii Theatre, Honolulu

•Details: Experience the timeless classics of Beethoven performed by the esteemed Hawaii Symphony Orchestra.

Closer-

Aloha ā kēia pule aʻe (Farewell until next week) 1 min

Have Fun, Do Good, Be a Positive Force

Be alert Paradise can lul you into a false sense of security

Stay on the trail, Stop walking to take a picture or a selfie

When in doubt don’t go out, Never turn your back on the sea

Mahalo to the lifeguards, first responders, armed service members and those who volunteer

Be Kind and support the show… swing by hawaiiposts.com click the contact and support link and you can make a donation to the show via paypal, cash app, venmo or crypto…. links are on the page

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Until next week Aloha, Aw-right

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Links:

Local TV NEWS

https://www.khon2.com

https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com

https://www.khon2.com

https://www.pbshawaii.org

https://oc16.tv

Local NEWS SITES

https://www.staradvertiser.com