Aloha e komo mai (welcome)! Forget what you think you know about the Holidays. In ancient Hawaiʻi, the year’s greatest celebration arrived with the seasonal rains.
We call this time the Makahiki Festival Hawaii: Ancient Harvest & Feast. This four-month-long festival honored the god of fertility and peace. The Makahiki season gave our ancestors time for fun and feasting.
The Return of Lono
We welcomed the arrival of the makaliʻi (Pleiades) constellation. This signaled the start of Makahiki, usually around October or November. Ancient Hawaiians dedicated this entire period to the Lono god. He rules over rain, agriculture, and peace.
All warfare stopped during this sacred four-month stretch. Thus, every person focused completely on relaxation and renewal. The chiefs and priests collected annual tributes, usually in the form of food. Furthermore, these offerings ensured prosperity for the community in the coming year.
The Lifting of the Kapu and the Games
The rules of the land, the kapu (taboos), lifted on many everyday activities. People celebrated their bountiful harvest after months of hard work. Our ancestors participated in many kinds of energetic games and sports.
They held boxing matches and wrestling contests. They also enjoyed heʻe hōlua (lava sledding), which required great skill and bravery. In addition, long distance races kept everyone sharp and competitive. These massive celebrations showcased the strong Polynesian traditions.
The Makahiki Feast and Your Luau
The entire Makahiki season revolved around sharing the abundance of the harvest season in Hawaii. Naturally, a huge feast marked the transition back into the normal working calendar. Priests performed a final ceremony before Lono departed.
The celebration involved massive amounts of kalo (taro), poi, and roasted pigs. Therefore, the Makahiki tradition truly paved the way for the modern luau. At Mauka Warriors Luau, we honor this spirit of gratitude and generosity. We use authentic techniques like the Umu (earth oven) to connect you with our ancient Hawaiian culture.
You now know the real history behind the Hawaiian feast. We invite you to experience this powerful tradition firsthand. Book your night with Mauka Warriors and celebrate the harvest season in Hawaii with us!
