On Saturday, August 15th, 2009 and Sunday, August 16th, Pu‘ukoholā Heiau National Historical Site presents its annual cultural festival.

The event features a royal court procession and hula early Saturday morning and arts, crafts and cultural exhibits throughout the weekend. 

Here’s a little bit about Pu√¢‚ǨÀúukohol√ѬŒs interesting history and some cultural information about Hawai√¢‚ǨÀúi from the National Park Service website:

Long before the time of King Kamehameha I, a socio-political hierarchy, deeply rooted in spiritual beliefs developed in Hawai‘i. This rigidly ordered class system gave power to a small number of ali‘i nui (high chiefs) who controlled different parts of an island, a whole island, or several islands. Alliances through bloodlines and marriage further complicated and enhanced the relationships among rival chiefs. 

To maintain law and order, a kapu (taboo) system based on religious and practical beliefs was imposed by the sovereign ali‘i on all of the population. The kapu system was extremely restrictive and rigid, with severe, penalties for those who broke a kapu. The kapu system was in effect for many centuries before it was officially overthrown in 1819, after the death of Kamehameha. 

Within this social and religious structure, the political rise of Kamehameha I and the construction of Pu’ukohola Heiau occurred around 1790….

Pu‘ukoholā  is located about a mile south of Kawaihae on the Kohala Coast. Call (808) 882-7218 or visit www.nps.gov.puhe for more information.

(Photo credit: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)