日本語
The 14th Annual Honolulu Festival （2008）
The students of Kamehameha Schools Maui won the 5th annual Maui Mikoshi Design Contest for the second time since last year. Their mikoshi was designed under the theme of “Experience the Wonder”. Many of the students were from Hawaii, Fiji, Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, China, Philippines and Japan, which seemed like they were connected by the Pacific Ocean.
The design of the mikoshi consisted of 2 golden canoe paddles standing on the right and left side which there were 4 paddles in total. Also, various greetings were written in the language of the Asia-Pacific countries including Hawaiian, Fiji, Tahitian, Chinese and Japanese on each side of the paddle. In addition, the mikoshi was decorated with Hawaiian leis, which looked as if they were welcoming those greetings by the Asia-Pacific countries.
The students of Kamehameha Schools Maui received the Honolulu Festival’s original happi which they wore and took a group picture.
It was the first time to see the mikoshi that the students have created by themselves at the Maui Mikoshi Unveiling Ceremony
Mr. Mossman, who is a teacher at Kamehameha Schools Maui was also involved in designing for the Maui Mikoshi Design Contest with the students.
The student representative greeted the guests. The students of Kamehameha Schools Maui did their best and cooperated with each other in designing the mikoshi.
This is the moment of unveiling.
The students put their hands on the curtain…
And the mikoshi finally unveiled!
The students saw their Maui Mikoshi for the first time which will be carried by them at the Grand Parade.
The students were wearing the Honolulu Festival’s original happi and they were preparing to take a group picture.
This event may be one of the best memories of their high school life.
By Eugene Shikuma, Honolulu Festival Foundation
Yuki Lei Sugimura (left) from the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui and Eugene Shikuma (right)
Hawaii is indeed a very special place.
There are many conflicts among nations, cultures, and religions. On the other hand, Hawaii is a melting pot of various nationalities including representing Caucasians, Asians, Pacific Islanders, and others in which they peacefully coexist.
The harmony among different cultures evolved through many generations of immigrants, who learned to respect, accept, and support other cultures. This concept is a foundation of Aloha or the Hawaiian lifestyle.
It was my pleasure to accompany the 40 students, teachers, and chaperones from Kamehameha Schools Maui, the winning school of the 5th Annual Maui Mikoshi Design Contest. As I walked down Kalakaua Avenue with the students during the Grand parade, I felt that those students from Maui are well suited for representing the true culture of Hawaii. I sincerely believe that they are the one to become the leaders of Hawaii with a spirit of Aloha.
Mahalo to Island Air
The Honolulu Festival Foundation would like to deeply appreciate the warm support and contribution given by Island Air.
Island Air provided roundtrip airfare for all the students and chaperones from
Maui to Honolulu. With this support the students of Kamehameha High Schools Maui were able to attend the 14th Annual Honolulu Festival. The Honolulu Festival Foundation will continue hosting the educational programs every year. We appreciate all your warm kindness.
