ROYAL HAWAIIAN CENTER TO CELEBRATE VERSATILE COCONUT
Family-friendly Arbor Day event includes hands-on activities and demonstrations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 22, 2021
Waikīkī – Royal Hawaiian Center has partnered with the University of Hawai‘i West O‘ahu and Niu NOW! to host Lā Kumulāʻau Ma Helumoa, a family-friendly Arbor Day event celebrating the niu (coconut) at The Royal Grove on Friday, April 30, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“The niu has played an essential role in Native Hawaiian culture and there’s nowhere better to highlight its versatility than under the coconut trees at The Royal Grove,” said Monte McComber, Royal Hawaiian Center Cultural Director. “On Arbor Day, visitors and kama‘āina will have the opportunity to learn from cultural practitioners, as well as enjoy music, mele, and stories.”
Participants will enjoy a variety of cultural demonstrations, presentations and hands-on activities centered around the coconut. Native Books will also be onsite offering informational books and pamphlets while supplies last. The schedule of events includes:
10:00 a.m.
Wehena (Opening) at The Royal Grove
Oli (chant) and welcome remarks
10:15 a.m.
Demonstrations at The Royal Grove
Pahu-making (Hawaiian dance drum making) by Brad Cooper
Lashing techniques with coconut sennit
Tools, weapons, toys, and decorations made from the coconut tree
Hands-On Activities at The Royal Grove
Weaving (Small bowl/calabash)
ʻApu-making (coconut drinking cup)
10:30 a.m.
Presentation by Manulani Meyer, Ed.D. at Helumoa Hale
10:30 a.m.
Hula Niu (learn to a dance dedicated to the niu) at The Royal Grove
11:30 a.m.
Presentation by Indrajit Gunasekara at Helumoa Hale
1:00 p.m.
Hula Niu (learn to a dance dedicated to the niu) at The Royal Grove
1:30 p.m.
Presentation by Chris Cramer, Maunalua Heritage Center, at Helumoa Hale
3:00 p.m.
Panina (Closing)
Limited spots are available for the hands-on activities. Participants must follow CDC and State COVID-19 guidelines and wear face coverings at all times, gather in groups of ten or less, and practice social distancing measures. Ample hand sanitizing stations are also offered throughout the Center.
All guests will receive three free hours of validating parking with any purchase from ANY Royal Hawaiian Center merchant or restaurant.
For more information, email: aloha@festivalcos.com. For the latest event updates, visit www.RoyalHawaiianCenter.com/events.
About Royal Hawaiian Center
Royal Hawaiian Center is the premier shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural destination in Waikīkī, comprised of 90 shops and restaurants over three city-blocks of world-renowned Kalākaua Avenue. The Center stands proudly upon historic land known as Helumoa, once home to Hawaiian royalty.
OWNERSHIP: Royal Hawaiian Center is owned by RHC Property Holdings LLC and managed by The Festival Companies.
For more information, visit www.RoyalHawaiianCenter.com or call Helumoa Hale Guest Services at 808-922-2299.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jocelyn Collado
Becker Communications, Inc.
(808) 392-5737
jocelyn@beckercommunications.com
Sam Shenkus
Royal Hawaiian Center
(808) 931-3110
s.shenkus@festivalcos.com
