State Observes First Makahiki Commemoration Day

Day focuses on peace, abundance, unity and conservation.

Today marks the first official State observance of Makahiki Commemoration Day, which was designated for recognition by the 2008 Hawai‘i State Legislature. It is not a state holiday.

“Makahiki was a significant time throughout Polynesia,” said Senator J. Kalani English, the principal introducer of the bill that established Makahiki Commemoration Day. “Conflict and war were set aside for the four-month Makahiki season, and unity and peace prevailed. They also let the land lay fallow as they celebrated the harvest.”