Makahiki Ceremony

A Sacred Hawaiian New Year Celebration of Peace, Harvest, and Renewal

Aloha and Happy Makahiki Season!

As the sun sets over Mauna a Wakea, people eagerly await the rising of Makaliʻi, the constellation Pleiades, marking the start of the Hawaiian new year—Makahiki. Makahiki typically runs from mid-November to late January or February, and is a time dedicated to tribute, harvest, sports, and play.

Makahiki has a rich history in Hawaiian culture, dating back to ancient times when the Hawaiian calendar was divided into two seasons—Kau (dry season) and Hoʻoilo (wet season). The month of ʻIkuā, known for its noisy weather of thunderstorms and heavy rains, signaled the arrival of Makahiki.

During this time, ancient Hawaiians honored the god Lono, who represented fertility, agriculture, and peace, by feasting, playing games, and participating in hula and storytelling. War was forbidden, making Makahiki a time of peace and prosperity. Popular games included heihei kūkini (racing), mokomoko (boxing), hākōkō (wrestling), pūhenehene (a skilled game of deception), and kōnane (a board game similar to chess).

Makahiki was also a time of rest and rejuvenation for both the land and people, providing an opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and forge new ones. Auhau (taxes) and hoʻokupu (offerings) were collected, with each ahupuaʻa (land district) presenting its offerings to the aliʻi nui (high chiefs) of the island.

Today, the lessons of Makahiki still hold valuable meaning, reminding us to always offer our best to others—whether it’s students, colleagues, or the community. Let’s welcome the new year with open hearts and celebrate the rich history and traditions of Hawaiian culture.

Characteristics

• Authentic Hawaiian cultural ceremony experience
• Based on the traditional Makahiki season and practices
• Includes storytelling, cultural education, and ritual elements
• Can incorporate music, hula, and ceremonial presentations
• Designed for educational, cultural, and celebratory events
• Flexible for private, corporate, or community gatherings
• Rooted in historical Hawaiian traditions and values

Benefits

• Connects guests to deep Hawaiian cultural heritage
• Educates audiences about ancient Hawaiian traditions
• Creates a meaningful and reflective event experience
• Promotes values of peace, gratitude, and renewal
• Enhances cultural awareness and appreciation
• Provides a unique and rare ceremonial offering
• Strengthens connection to land, history, and community

Why Choose Our Makahiki Ceremony

At Pomai Entertainment, we honor Hawaiian traditions with authenticity, respect, and cultural integrity. Our Makahiki Ceremony is more than a performance—it is a living expression of Hawaiian history, values, and seasonal renewal.

We carefully preserve the meaning of Makahiki while presenting it in a way that is engaging, educational, and respectful for modern audiences. Every ceremony is guided by aloha and a deep respect for the land, the people, and the traditions passed down through generations.

Perfect For

• Cultural education events & school programs
• Community festivals & heritage celebrations
• Corporate cultural awareness experiences
• Resort cultural programming
• Private Hawaiian cultural ceremonies
• Seasonal or New Year events

Welcome the Spirit of Makahiki

Step into a tradition of peace, gratitude, and renewal as we honor the Hawaiian New Year through storytelling, culture, and ceremony.

Contact us today to book the Makahiki Ceremony and bring this sacred Hawaiian tradition to your event with authenticity and aloha.