Heritage and Future of Waimea On WCA Town Meeting Agenda

Thursday, October 2, 2025 - 5:30 - 7PM

In-Person @ Historic Parker School Theatre & Streamed 'Live'

Coming Events

Ma kāhi o ka hana ola ma laila translates as: “Where work is, there is life.” Like most of the proverbs in Mary Kawena Pukui’s seminal ʻŌlelo Noʻeau, the meaning behind this phrase is much more than any translation can decode. As the title of Kahilu’s 2025 Cultural Heritage Exhibition, it refers to the kuleana of master craftspeople to perpetuate the traditions of their crafts. The exhibit honors the traditions of the Islands through fashion, basketry, featherwork, quilting, kapa, and cordage. Each piece of beat wauke, stitched fabric, woven ʻie ʻie, and braided fibers adds to the story of resilience and perseverance of culture in Hawaiʻi.

Presenting artists are masters and stewards of many traditions. Some create work resembling pieces that arrived on Hawaiʻi’s shores a millennia ago. Others have helped grow traditions born from the arrival of foreign ideas, crafts, and materials. Many artists have bridged the ancient and the modern to create something reflective of this moment in time when more and more people are connecting to indigenous knowledge while trying to rectify the pains of the past.

This Kahilu exhibition Kahilu features the artistry and collections of:

• Gay Covington
• Alika Desha
• Kapulei Flores
• Puakea Forester
• Roen Hufford and Marie MacDonald
• Kira Kamamalu
• Edwin Kayton
• Jayne Kerns
• Beau Jack Key
• Renson Madarang
• Barbara Nobriga
• Kumulaʻau &
• Haunani Sing
• Taupōuri Tangarō
• Aloha Victor and more

Season One of "Eating Our Roots" was exceptional so we won't want to miss the premiere of Season Two!

6th Annual Waimea Fall Fest 2025

Mark your calendars for a full day of family fun with something for everyone from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. , Sat., October 11, 2025, at the Spencer Kalani Schutte Waimea District Park (67-1315 Ala ‘Ohia Road). Admission is free and public parking and wristband sales will open at 8:30 a.m.

Hosted by Waimea Athletics, it will feature live entertainment throughout the day, a pumpkin patch, indoor and outdoor keiki games and activities, a craft sale, community information booths and exhibits, and lots of great food. Husband and wife duo and Na Hoku Hanohano Award winners Kala’e & Kalena Parish and Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner Blayne Asing headline the day’s entertainment, along with various local performers.

Keiki will enjoy train rides, inflatable water slides and an obstacle course. New this year are the inflatable Hungry Hippo, All-Star Dunk Contest, Arctic Combo, and an inflatable riding bull! There also will be horse rides and a free petting zoo, including an interactive experience with therapeutic horses. The County of Hawaii is hosting an outdoor fire truck and ambulance display. Big Island Arm Wrestling will host an arm wrestling exhibition on the field where adults and keiki can learn arm wrestling from the island’s best!

The indoor Keiki Game Zone hosted by the Waimea Cowboys football team will feature all-day carnival games with a $15 wristband. All-day wristbands ($25) will be available for the outdoor inflatables, waterslides, and laser tag. Be sure to bring lots of sunscreen, a swimsuit, towel, and beach chairs. This is a rain or shine event!

Food booths will include a variety of burgers and fries, hot dogs, poke bowls, poke nachos, bulgogi fries; furikake, teriyaki and Korean chicken; garlic and coconut shrimp; kalbi ribs, teriyaki beef, braised short ribs, pansit, lumpia, pork belly tinono, tacos, nachos, burritos, churros, ceviche, sushi, takoyaki, mini-pancakes, fried ice cream Mexican food, Caribbean fusion, and more! There will be lots of beverages with lemonade, specialty teas, and ice pops to keep everyone cool. For dessert, enjoy a great selection of ice cream, fruit cups and trays, and check out the wide array of fresh baked goods and snacks, including filled mochi and Chex mix, malasadas, popcorn, li hing mui gummy snacks, and Chinese pretzels.

There will be a wide range of local craft booths for early holiday shopping, including island-style jewelry, Hawaiian-themed handmade fabric and cork items, laser cut and engraved wood products, hand-crafted soaps, western and baby wear, crocheted items, small plants, anime-related items, pareos, a variety of bags and clothing, a hat bar, outdoor gear, and more!

Numerous community organizations will share information about their work and resources, including American Legion Post No. 4 Kohala, Hawaiian Electric, Hilo & Kona Veterans Center, Kamehameha Schools, Malama Pono Kohala, and Mauna Kea Soil and Water Conservation District.

All food, craft, and activity sales are cash (no scrip), with the exception of all-day wristbands for the outdoor inflatables ($25) and the indoor keiki zone ($15). Wristband sales start at 8:30 a.m. on event day at the gym concession booth.

“The Waimea Fall Festival is all about fun—for the keiki and for families,” said Melissa Samura, event coordinator for Waimea Athletics and the Waimea Fall Festival. “At the same time, the festival is about community supporting community—every participating local sports team, club, non-profit organization, and small business directly benefits from the exposure and funds raised at this event.”

Proceeds from the Waimea Fall Festival also benefit Waimea Athletics and its sports equipment sponsorships for community youth programs at Waimea facilities and the Waimea Athletics College Scholarship for students born and raised in Waimea.  

An Advance Health Care Directive is NOT just for kupuna...everyone over 18 should have an Advance Health Care Directive which includes having this important conversation with loved ones. Community First volunteers and staff are well trained, respectful of our privacy and non-judgemental - heartfelt in their approach. Call if you have questions. AHCDs should be periodically updated.