Makahiki

This week, Kumu Kealiʻi taught the fourth graders about the makahiki season in which warfare and most types of work were put on hold. Instead, the ancient Hawaiians took the time to celebrate and give offerings to the god Lono, who is the deity of peace and agriculture. During this period (approximately four months), feasts, sports, and hula were held to thank Lono for blessing them with bountiful crops, and offerings and gifts were sent in hopes of having another fruitful year.

Here the students learn two games that warriors played to help them prepare for battling once the makahiki season was over: ʻulu maika (stone-rolling) and moa paheʻe (dart-sliding). Through these two games, one learned hand & eye coordination, precision, and aim.