MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii -- Though the modern lights on the flight line at Marine Corps Air Facility were flickering in the dusk, the scene that unfolded last weekend between the Hale Koa and Pyramid Rock beaches could have taken place centuries ago.With a long, low drone from a conch shell and the raising of the cloud-like akua loa, the earthly representation of the Hawaiian god Lono made of two long pieces of white fabric attached to koa wood staffs, a ceremonial procession of traditionally clad Hawaiian warriors followed by women and children paraded toward Pyramid Rock to signal the opening of this year's Makahiki season aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay.Almost identical to the ceremonies which countless generations of Hawaiians have performed on the Mokapu peninsula, native Hawaiians joined military service members and visitors from the local community at Pyramid Rock, also known as Kuau, to celebrate the beginning of the Makahiki season. They also presented offerings to the Hawaiian god Lono, traditionally the god of the sky and agriculture, in a celebration of life and peace. "From ancient times, the Makahiki season has been a time for peace, reflection, games, festivals and planning," said Donna Ann Kamehaiku Camvel, Ahupuaa Restoration Council of Heeia chairman and a member of the third generation of her family to preside as Makahiki event coordinator aboard MCB Hawaii since the 1970s. "The presence of Lono -- the god of clouds, thunder, lightning, rain, agriculture and fertility -- during the four months of Makahiki signifies to us that there will be no war or fighting among the Hawaiian people during this time," continued Camvel. Lono is also represented by the rising of the constellation Na Huihui O Makalii, known also as the Pleiades or “Seven Sisters.” The constellation is in the night sky for approximately four months every year, giving rise to the traditional length of the Makahiki season. With torches flickering, the celebrants remained at Pyramid Rock for hours, singing traditional Hawaiian songs and sharing the spirit of aloha well into the night. The next morning brought the “Makahiki Games” to Hale Koa Beach, known also as Kahananui, which is considered sacred land by many Hawaiians.The games included Hawaiian wrestling, bowling and spear-throwing competitions between several young warriors who looked the part in their traditional garb. “I love it. I’ve been here for four years, and I’m disappointed I’ve missed out on this for three. If I’m on the island next year, I’ll definitely bring my family back to this,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Eric Halles, loadmaster with Fleet Logistic Support Squadron 51, a Navy reservist who was experiencing his first Makahiki opening ceremony. The Makahiki season will end in March, with celebrations held at the Hale Koa Beach. Camvel said Marines, Sailors and their families would be welcome once again to participate in the festivities and games as they have been every year.