Experience the 1898 annexation debates in a performance at Ali‘iolani Hale. - Photo: Blaine Fergestrom
Calendar Listings – To have a local event listed in our monthly calendar, email kwo@oha.org at least six weeks in advance. Make sure to include the location, price, date and time. If available, please attach a high-resolution (300 dpi) photograph with your email.

MAI POINA: THE ANNEXATION DEBATES

March 2, 5-9 p.m.

The controversial 1898 annexation of Hawai‘i by the United States led to passionate debates from citizens of both nations. The King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center hosts re-enactments of these enlivening debates. Free with reservations, email info@hawaiiponoi.info. Ali‘iōlani Hale, info@hawaiiponoi.info.

The debates will also be performed at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center at 7:30 p.m. on March 10. MauiArts.org or call (808) 242-7469.

KANIKAPILA O MAHINA MOONLIGHT CONCERT

March 1-3, 7 p.m.; March 4, 2 p.m.

Support Pacific American Foundation’s stewardship activities at Waikalua Loko I‘a by touring the fishpond and enjoying a concert featuring Brother Noland, Jamarek and Evan Khay. Tours start at 5 p.m., with the concert following at 6 p.m. Bring a mat, low chair or umbrella to enjoy the entertainment from the lawn. Paniolo smoked lū‘au stew and pastele stew will be available for purchase. $25. Waikalua Loko I‘a, Kāne‘ohe, www.thepaf.org/moonlight.

ROAD TO SUSTAINABLE LIVING

March 3 and 24

Nānākuli Housing Corporation offers free workshops on financial literacy to prepare participants for homeownership, as well as home maintenance for homeowners who want to save money by doing their own repairs. Free. Call (808) 520-2607 or email nhc.enrollment@baseyard.com.

MĀKA‘IKA‘I MO‘OLELO A MELE

Mar. 3, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Learn the significance of our wahi pana through oral traditions and immerse yourself in the waiwai of Waipao. The event features live music, entertainment and storytelling, with special guests including Holunape, Keauhou, Boss Dance Friends and Pueo Pata. Free. Papahana Kuaola, He‘eia, visit papahanakuaola.org or email wanda@papahanakuaola.org. Sponsored in part by OHA.

90TH ANNUAL LEI COURT SELECTION

March 3, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

2018 is the year of Nā Kūpuna, age 61 and over, which means one lei king or queen and up to two lei princes or princesses will be selected from this group. Contestants will be judged on lei making skills, poise and personality, ‘ōlelo Pelekane and ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i (speaking in both English and Hawaiian) and hula ‘auana, modern hula. Free. Kapolei Hale, www.honolulu.gov/parks/program, (808) 768-3041.

PAPAKŌLEA ‘OHANA HEALTH FAIR 2018

Mar. 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Get fit, and get health knowledge. Bring your keiki to a fun event with information booths, food, games and great entertainment. Free. Lincoln Elementary School, kula.papakolea@gmail.com, (808) 520-8997.

MAHI‘AI TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Mar. 5, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Learn about opportunities in cooperative development with the help of instructors Teresa Young, Dana Shapiro and more. You will also be given the chance to explore ways to collaborate with multiple producers, users and marketers of local products. Free. Mālama Kaua‘i Community Farm, contact Naoshi at (808) 828-0685 for more information.

‘AS ONLY UNCLE NATHAN CAN’

Mar. 10, 6 p.m.

Celebrate the cultural contributions of composer and kumu hula Nathan Kalama, one of Kaua‘i’s living treasures. Honorees include Lady Ipo Kahaunaele Ferreira and Dana Kaua‘i‘iki Olores. Entertainment includes Nā Kumu Hula Uncle Nathan, Troy Lazaro, Maka Herrod and more. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Aqua Kaua‘i Beach Resort, call Wini Smith at (808) 823-1228 or Beverly Muraoka at (808) 822-1451.

KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS ROCK OPERA

Mar. 15-16, 6 p.m.

Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i is hosting its first rock opera. In both Hawaiian and English, students will tell the story of the election of 1874 between King Kalākaua and Queen Emma. The event will showcase the drama and political aspects surrounding the election for the throne of the Hawaiian Kingdom. $5. Koai‘a Gymnasium, www.ksbe.edu.

QUEEN KA‘AHUMANU’S 250TH BIRTHDAY

March 16, 6 p.m.

Ceremonies mark the 250th anniversary of Queen Ka‘ahumanu’s birthday, March 17, 1768, at Ka‘uiki in Hāna, Maui. The ‘Ahahui Ka‘ahumanu Chapter IV Wailuku hosts the annual ceremonies. Keiki essay and coloring contests and the inaugural Ka‘ahumanu Awards for aloha-spirited community service honor the Queen’s legacy and passion for education. Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center, Kahului, (808) 276-2713 or kenomoto1@hawaii.rr.com.

TOUR DE CURE HAWAI‘I

March 17, 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Support the American Diabetes Association by walking, running or biking in a fundraiser that combines the Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes and the Tour de Cure, then enjoy a post-event festival with food, live music and informational booths. $15 minimum. Kapi‘olani Park, tour.diabetes.org.

FALL IN LOVE WITH SCIENCE DISCOVERY DAY

March 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The feature event from the monthlong Hi-Sci Festival features reduced admission, science-related hands-on activities, researcher talks and demonstrations showcasing Hawai‘i’s biodiversity. Free with online pre-registration and for members; 50 percent discounted admission at the event. Bishop Museum, www.bishopmuseum.org/.

KŪHIŌ DAY CELEBRATION

April 1, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This event honors the late isle congressional delegate Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole, saluted as the father of the Hawaiian homestead program. The celebration starts with an Easter sunrise service, followed by an egg hunt. Food, crafts, entertainment, a Paukukalo homestead reunion and keiki zone will be part of the festivities. Free. Event co-sponsors are the Maui Mokupuni Council representing Hawaiian homestead associations and UHMC. For information, email kuhioday2018@gmail.com.

ART LUNCH WITH BROOK PARKER

March 27, noon to 1 p.m.

In “Honoring our Ancestors through Art,” Brook Kapukuniahi Parker will talk about his research into ancestral history – he can trace his roots back the Kamehameha the Great and his wife Kanekapolei – and his development as an artist and a father. Parker’s paintings of kings, chiefs and warriors in battle have been published widely, including in Ka Wai Ola. Free. Hawai‘i State Art Museum, sfca.hawaii.gov/events/.

WAIKĪKĪ BY MOONLIGHT

March 31, 8-9 p.m.

Enjoy music from the Farden ‘Ohana as part of a Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame concert series featuring inductees’ music. The concerts take place on the Saturday or Sunday closest to the month’s full moon under the banyan tree across from Hyatt Regency Waikīkī. Free. Bring beach or lawn chairs and rain gear, just in case. For information, call (808) 392-3649 or email admin@hmhof.org. Upcoming concerts feature kumu hula Maiki Aiu on April 21 and Jeff Apaka honoring his father Alfred Apaka on May 26.