Two ways Hawaiians observed Makahiki (Hawaiian new year)

Depiction of the Akua Loa by Herb Kane. National Park Service.

As a daughter of Hawai’i, I am most honored to share the gifts and amazing products that our talented friends and family (‘ohana) have to share with our “mainland” cousins.  This is especially true during our first Makahiki season (Hawaiian new year) in Fallbrook at West Kaua’i Sun. Makahiki is a time for restoration, relaxation, and building relationships, ancient Hawaiians worked all year in preparation for the harvest season.

We look forward to serving our community and sharing our Aloha in ways that bring joy, abundance, and restoration to all during this Makahiki season.

Read below to learn more about Makahiki.

1. When was Makahiki observed? The rising of the constellation Pleiades (Makali’i) would mark the season, which could be seen at sunset in the eastern sky, and would usually begin in early to mid-November, lasting until January or February. 

2. The Makahiki was also a time of reverence meant to honor Lono, the god of agriculture, fertility, and peace.  Celebrations of feasting and competitive sports were carried out during Makahiki, and taxes (‘auhau) and offerings (ho’okupu) were collected.  Each district (ahupua’a) gathered its offerings of food and other items, which were presented at the altar of Lono.  Each district strove to offer up the best of its products to commemorate the harvest and to promote even greater abundance for the next year.

Aloha Makahiki Hou!

References: https://kaiwakiloumoku.ksbe.edu/article/essays-makahiki-an-overview