MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Kaneohe Bay -- March 6, several local families gathered at Hale Koa Beach here to witness two outrigger canoes travel from Kualoa Beach Park to Mokapu Peninsula (home of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay). All had gathered to celebrate Lono Akua, the symbol of Makahiki, being returned to Mokapu by canoe for the first time in more than 100 years.
The celebration marked the closing of the Makahiki huakaa (walk) by Kapono Aluli Souza. He has traveled approximately 140 miles around Oahu, since the opening of Makahiki in October, to celebrate and participate in ceremonies on various ahupuaa (ancient Hawaiian land divisions).
"This was a great opportunity for us to practice our traditions right where they used to take place," said Donna Ann Kamehaiku Camvel, coordinator of the Makahiki events at Mokapu.
Camvel is the grand niece of Kahuna Pari Tu, Samuel Hoopii Lono. Kahuna Lono was instrumental in reopening the area for the first cultural practice and gathering at Kuau. Anita Kahanu Paoa Gouveia carried on the spiritual practice until her death in 1998, and now her daughter, Camvel, carries on the tradition.
As Souza arrived in the double-hulled canoe carrying the Lono Akua, he and his fellow paddlers were greeted with a ceremony in which fifth and sixth graders from Mokapu Elementary School proudly joined.
"Last year the Lono was walked around the Big Island, and in future years we hope to see the Lono visit all of the Hawaiian Islands," said Souza.
According to Attwood Makanani, a "kokua" or supporter of the event, the Lono was carried to the islands of Hawaii during the time of the monarchy, to signify the official time of Makahiki, as declared by the king.
"Carrying on the message of Makahiki is more than just signifying the start or end of a new season," said Makanani. "The Lono symbolizes a time of rest for the people of Hawaii, a time to put aside differences ... to travel by canoe to visit your ohana."
After the welcoming of the Lono Akua to Mokapu, celebrations began with Makahiki games, hula performances and storytelling. Then just before dawn, the celebrants moved by procession to Pyramid Rock to finally unveil the Lono Akua and pray to the god Lono at sunrise.
As the men and women sang on the beach as separate entities, whales began to dance on the water and a vivid rainbow crested over Pyramid Rock.
"We are truly blessed this day," said Souza as the rainbow became luminescent in the sky.
With Makahiki at a close, the season of the god "Ku" begins, bringing forth a time when festivities and games will take a pause for planting, building and engaging business and life for the people of Hawaii and Mokapu's ohana.