Puna group dedicated to ‘āina stewardship to host festival celebrating Hawaiian culture, community and wellness : Big Island Now

A Puna nonprofit dedicated to helping men stay clean and sober through community service and mālama ‘āina (caring for the land) will hold its first Makahiki Cultural Festival in January, an event celebrating Hawaiian culture, community resilience and holistic wellness.

The event, hosted by the Men of Pa‘a (firm, solid, immovable), will take place during the Makahiki season, an ancient Hawaiian New Year festival that honors Lono, the Hawaiian god of fertility.

“At Men of Pa‘a, our mission is rooted in empowering our community through cultural revitalization and wellness initiatives,” said Iopa Maunakea, Executive Director of Men of Pa‘a. “The Men of Pa‘a Makahiki Cultural Festival embodies the essence of Makahiki, offering an opportunity for healing, learning,…