Maui Makahiki

In ancient Hawaii, makahiki took place for several months - from mid-October to mid-February - during which all warfare was kapu (taboo). Makahiki was celebrated with athletic contests, religious rites, and payments to chiefs.

Makahiki celebrated Lono, god of plenty, and is similar in timing and purpose to Thanksgiving, Oktoberfest, Sukkōt, and other harvest celebrations.

Although the purpose of makahiki has evolved from preparation of war to the perpetuation of Hawaiian tradition, makahiki games are still enjoyed today at various cultural events in Hawaii and elsewhere.

A makahiki event on Maui was attended by more than 2,000 people, featuring local artisans, craft booths, a farmers market, and food vendors.

In tribute to Hawaiian tradition, lawn games were enjoyed by makua (parents) and opio (children), including ulu maika (bowling), hakaka moa (hand wrestling), hukihuki (tug-of-war), heihei kūkini (running races), ʻōʻō ihe (spear throwing), and lei making, a true expression of the never-ending circle of aloha with friends and ʻohana (family).

Other popular Hawaiian pāʻani (games and contests) include pūhenehene (concealment/deception played by two competing teams), ʻōlelo nane (riddles), mokomoko (boxing), hākōkō (wrestling), and kōnane (two-player board game).