Makahiki Approaches! October is The Month of ʻIkuā

On the month of ʻIkuā means “noisy” and usually begins in September or October. This month is characterized by roaring surf, thunderstorms, and rain. This boisterous personality of ʻIkuā signaled the approach of Makahiki. 

The Makahiki is the ancient Hawaiian New Year festival. It is a holiday covering four consecutive lunar months, approximately from November through February or March. This is generally considered the new year because Makahiki marks a time between growing seasons when the dry season ends and the wet, short winter days begin. Here are some interesting facts about Makahiki:

• In addition to being the Ancient Hawaiian New Year, it’s the season of rest and rejuvenation for both the land and the people.
• It was a time for the ocean to rest, too and a very sustainable idea. Unfortunately, the sea is typically at its roughest during Makahiki, so fishing was also significantly reduced at this time.
• It celebrated the return of the god Lono of the Hawaiian religion. Hawaiians would honor and give thanks to Lono, a deity of peace, agriculture, and healing.
• Hawaiians celebrated by playing games like ulumaika (where players must roll a hockey puck-shaped rock between two sticks stuck in the ground), wrestling, tug-of-war, spear-throwing, and foot races.  

Typically, Makahiki is the busiest time of the year for tourism in the modern-day. The waves are up, and it’s prime time for snowbird visitors. How ironic; during a time of rest, when labor was forbidden, it is now the busiest time of the year. 

Learn more about Lonoikamakahiki.

EHCC’s Chairman of the Board

We are humbled to share a news clip of EHCC’s Chairman of the Board, Retired Major General Kelly McKeague, and his good work as Deputy Director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), which finds and identifies missing service members. Power Player of the Week: Retired Maj. Gen. Kelly McKeague | On Air Videos | Fox News

EHCC’s Newest Board Member

E komo mai to Jason Greenawalt as EHCC’s newest board member. Jason serves as the Executive Vice President for Na Ali`i and Vice Chair and Treasurer of the Nakupuna Foundation – the majority owner of all Nakupuna Companies. Jason is responsible for the long-term vision of the Nakupuna Companies and is proud to have been on the ground floor to oversee the growth of the organization from a single firm with a handful of associates to a family of companies with several hundred employees working across the United States. Jason is extraordinarily passionate about supporting the Native Hawaiian community; as a board member of the Nakupuna Foundation, Jason is responsible for community outreach and developing the investment portfolio of the Foundation’s charitable activities. Jason is a distinguished alumnus of Campbell University and holds a Masters of Public Policy (MPP) from the George Washington University along with executive certifications from the Kennan-Flagler Business School, the Naval Postgraduate School, the Elliott School of International Affairs, and the Federal Executive Institute. 

"`Onolicious!"

FALL QUINOA SALAD

As we enter the Fall, here’s an ono (delicious) salad to start the holiday season!

Ingredients

• 1½ cups quinoa Kosher Salt
• 1 very crispy apple - such as Fuji – cored and diced or sliced
• ½ cup quartered dried figs or cranberries
• ¼ cup fresh pomegranate seeds
• 1 orange, segmented
• 1 cup baby arugula leaves or baby spinach
• 3 springs tarragon leaves
• 4 medium shallots, minced
• 1½ cup pecans or walnuts, toasted and roughly crumbled
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1 lemon, cut in half
• Fresh cracked pepper as needed

Instructions | Pan Preparation

1. In a medium pot, add quinoa and cover with at least 2 inches of cold water. Add enough salt to taste, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the quinoa is tender. Drain and set aside or place in refrigerator.
2. When ready to assemble, combine cooked quinoa, apple, fig, pomegranate seeds, lemon, baby arugula, tarragon, shallots, and toasted pecans in a large service bow. Toss well.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and the juice from the lemon. Season with salt and pepper and toss once more.

Notes

• To make ahead of time: This salad can also be assembled fully in advance, as it improves with time as the ingredients marry flavors.
• Optional: Prosciutto slices and/or crumble goat cheese or feta.

Did You Know ...

Born Victoria Ka`iulani on Oct. 16, 1875, the Crown Princess and heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawai`i was known throughout the world for her intelligence and determination to preserve the Hawaiian monarchy.

Victoria Kawekiu Lunalilo Kalanikuiahilapalapa Ka`iulani Cleghorn was destined to rule the Islands - the princess, who might have become queen, was named heir to the throne by Queen Lili`uokalani when she was just 15 years old. Princess Ka`iulani was celebrated by Hawai`i’s citizens upon her birth (bells rang out at 4:00 PM on the day of her birth to announce her) and, in her teens, became an avid surfer and expert equestrian. She was eventually sent to England for schooling, where she became highly educated in the arts and fluent in several languages, all to prepare her for her royal duties.

It was during these formative years when she was informed of the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. While detached from her Islands, her love for its people was unwavering. She immediately traveled to Washington D.C. to urge President Grover Cleveland to restore the Hawaiian monarchy and defend Lili`uokalani’s name and honor - a historical moment for which she’s best remembered. Princess Ka`iulani passed away from cardiac rheumatism at just 23 years old and was deeply mourned.

EHCC Activities

Oct 17-Nov 21 (Sundays): EHCC is pleased to present the forth part of the Rise! Keiki Vibrancy Series featuring, Hula (Dance). The time is from 11AM - 11:45AM EST. The cost is Free! Register here.

Community Connections

Oct 13 (Wed): Polynesian Ancestral Knowledge presents "Tahiti: Teaching Rā`au Rapa`au in Fare Hape", on Facebook Live at 7PM - 8:30PM HST (1AM EST).

Oct 14 (Thurs): Don't miss this must-see original premiere! Hashi's "Taste Our Love For Hawai‘i" premieres on KHON2 News at 7:00 PMHST and KHON2 Livestream. Learn more here.

Oct 29 (Fri): Pa`i presents Kuana Torres Zoom hula "Na Wai Kaulana", at 9:30AM HST (3:30PM EST). Cost $40. Learn more here.

Oct 29 (Fri): Pa`i presents Kuana Torres Zoom hula "Lili`u", at 12:30AM HST (6:30PM EST). Cost $40. Learn more here.

Oct 29 - Dec 3 (Fri): Pa`i presents Kuana Torres Zoom 6 class Fall hula package. Cost $199. Learn more here.

Nov 21 (Sun): Join Jake Shimabukuro live at Ram's Head On Stage in Annapolis, MD. The event starts at 1PM EST. Learn more here.

Nov 22 (Mon): Jake Shimabukuro presents "Christmas in Hawai`i" live at the Birchmere in Alexandria, Va. The event starts at 7:30PM EST. Learn more here.

Interested in sharing something in our Newsletter? How about a special event or announcement?

Please send an email to: Marilyn@ealaehcc.org