Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, 1 September 1983 — MAKAHIKI [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

MAKAHIKI

The end of summer fun for many Oahu youngsters was capped off with medals and fun after participating in the first island-wide Makahiki Games. Under the direction of Na Makahiki Pa'ani and the City and County Department of Parks and Recreation, some three hundred children and young adults gathered at Ala Moana Park for a full morning of sports and friendly competition of old Hawaii. Teams eame from Waimanalo and other Oahu playgrounds and there were young adults from as far away as Canada and the mainland. There was also a group of Polynesian cousins from Kuhio Park Terrace who seemed to find the traditional Hawaiian games similar to and as challenging as their own. Furthering the spirit of the games was a group from Waimea Falls Park on the North Shore who eame dressed as our ancestors did for the games when they were started by the Chief Lonoikamakahiki. The games held were Ho'oikaika (Rock Throwing) whieh, except for the size of the boulders, is similar to the shot-put; Moa Pahe'e (Lawn Dirt Sliding); O'o ihe (Spear Throwing) whieh is close to the javelin, but judging is based on accuracy rather than distance; Ulu Maika (Lawn Disc Bowling) whieh is the Hawaiian equivalent to European lawn bowling; Pa Uma (Standing Arm Wrestling); Uma (Arm Wrestling); Hukihuki (Tug of War); Open Water Swim; and a Kukini (Around the Park

Race). There were many winners in every category, but the two overall participants who did especially well were Kai Adric of Waialua and Antoinette Riveira of Paki. They won perpetual trophies made and donated by Alohawaina Makanani of Wailua, Kaua'i. The trophies were differently styled poi pounders awarded to a boy and a girl seven years and under, who earned the most honors (first plaee) after the games were over. A reminder that these games are tra--ditional in Hawaiian culture was the reenactment of the arrival of the chief and an opening ceremony of dance and gifts or offerings. This part of the ceremony was presented by John Kaimikaua and Halau 'O Kukuna 'O Kala. As Mayor Eileen Anderson said to those gathered at the first Oahu Makahiki, it is the hope of all that such an event will continue to grow in future years. It appears to be the consensus of those officiating and observing that everyone, children, young adults and adults enjoyed themselves and truly had fun. lf that is the final basis for judging the success of the Makahiki Games, then the cheers, screams, and joy of competition and sportsmanship mean that the Na Makahiki Pa'ani Commission and the Department of Parks and Recreation have done well.

Kahua ulumaika (lawn bowling).

Uma (hand wrestling).

Young participant throwing 'o'o ihe (spear).

Two keiki releasing their ulu maika stone along the course.