Ho‘olaule‘a Ready To Roll At College

Kaneohe’s own Mailani will entertain at the Oct. 4 Windward Photo courtesy of Mountain Apple Co.

There will be a smorgasbord of things to do at the 14th annual Windward Ho’olaule’a, set for 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Oct. 4 at Windward Community College.

It’s the largest such community showcase on the Windward side, organizers say, with a crowd of 15,000 expected to sample the packed schedule.

A broad lineup of entertainers will perform hourly, many from the Windward area. The list includes The Brothers Cazimero, Mailani, Jerry Santos and Chinky Mahoe’s Halau Hula O Kawaili’ula. Also sharing the stage: Hawaiian Soul, Pila Nahenahe, Hawaii Loa, Hawaiian Soul, Kamuela Kimokeo & Hi’ikua, and Kahalu’u Ukulele Band, with more to be confirmed.

KCCN and KINE deejays, keiki rides and games, and Hokulani Imaginarium showings of “One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure” round out the family experience: Show admission is $3 (235-7433). Postponed from the Aug. 8 storm day, the Big Bird show also brings a morning visit by Elmo’s best friend Zoe to the ho’olaule’a crowds outside.

Food vendors include Crepes No Ka Oi, Fresh Catch, Boston’s Pizza, Bubble Puff & Tea, Erin’s Shave Ice, India Café, Hawaiian Plate and Olay’s Thai.

Hosted by WCC and Kaneohe Business Group, the festival supports WCC programs and scholarships. Proceeds last year enabled 22 students to each receive a $1,000 grant.

“It’s a great day for the whole family,” said event co-chair Bonnie Beatson. “We like to highlight the community partnerships between the businesses of the Windward side and the educational opportunities at the college. The most rewarding thing is to see lives change with scholarships going to those who cannot afford to go to college, and now can pursue their dreams.”

The college will showcase its programs with demonstrations of Hawaiian woodcarving, Polynesian voyaging and fiber art (to show off the new Hawaiian Studies associate degree program). Also planned: onstage drama, free blood-pressure checks, an orchid and ceramics sale, gyotaku fish printing, pet tips, rocketry, and plant identification and sales.

Gallery ‘Iolani offers the exhibit “Ka Waiwai Mohala (The Unfolding Treasures)” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring WCC art students in mediums ranging from sculpture to photography, and dozens of art and craft vendors will sell their handmade jewelry, clothes and other items.

Community booths feature flu shots from Walgreens (with insurance card), Kaneohe Neighborhood Board tips on disaster preparedness, and Hawaii Pacific University focusing on medical marijuana. There is also a silent auction, and donations are still welcome.

For more information, visit windwardhoolaulea.com or call Beatson at 235-7374.