Makahiki is an ancient Hawaiian celebration that has been part of Hawaiian culture since before Captain Cook arrived in the islands in the 18th century. The festival begins in November and ends in February, denoting both the end of the harvest, a time of peace, and a period in which the land and the produce were celebrated.
The meaning of the word Makahiki can be traced back to an early Hawaiian word ‘makali’i’ which references a celestial event marking the start of the harvest and the end of warfare. This period was recognized as a time to celebrate Lono, the god of agriculture and peace. As a tribute to Lono, ancient Hawaiians would carry out different rituals and make offerings from the harvested crops to the local chiefs.
There were three parts to Makahiki:
- Ho’okupu in which offerings were made to the gods in order to thank them for the harvest of the year just ended and to ensure a productive new year ahead.
- Hula, in which the hula was performed, followed by games and feasts.
- Wa’auhau, another period in which offerings were made for the new year.
Games were often played as part of the festival, including:
- Hawaiian sledding
- Konane – a form of Hawaiian checkers
- Ulu Maika – Hawaiian lawn bowling
- Moa Pahe’e – dart sliding
- Uma – arm wrestling
- Lono Maka Ihe/‘O ‘O Ihe – spear throwing
- Hukihuki – Hawaiian tug of war
Feasts were also common throughout this period, along with music and plenty of dancing.
The period of rest during Makahiki also allowed the land to recover before being planted again with new crops. Makahiki was not only a way to celebrate the harvest but also a time to take stock of the land and appreciate it as a regenerating resource for the community.