19th Annual Eo e Emalani i Alaka`i

October 11, 2008

An Annual outdoor Festival in Koke`e State Park, Kaua`i

Sponsored by Koke`e Natural History Museum - Hui o Laka, Hawai`i Tourism Authority/County of Kaua`i, Hawaiian Airlines and many Kaua`i Businesses

A Royal Holiday Relived

In early 1871, when Queen Emma took a fancy to journey from her Lawa`i beach house up to the isolated reaches of Waimea Canyon and the misted bogs of the Alaka`i Swamp, she set off in a flurry of activity. An experienced guide was sought, provisions and horses were procured, and a path of fern logs was hastily laid through the wettest part of the swamp for the convenience of the Queen and her almost 100 traveling friends. Led by Kaluahi, the guide recommended by Eric Knudsen of Waimea, her party trekked all the way to the Kilohana viewpoint, with a vista stretching to Hanalei and Wainiha. She wanted to see for herself the spectacular views she had only heard about.

It is with the same joy and fellowship of that impromptu royal adventure,as well as in the spirit of Emma Naea Rooke, that Koke`e Natural History Museum celebrates this festival, "Eo e Emalani i Alaka`i".

Kaua`i's mountain forest echoes with the sounds of Hawaiian music and traditional chants at this free annual festival, held the second Saturday in October, mist or shine. Visitors attending "Eo e Emalani i Alaka`i" step back in time, when a traditional royal procession arrives at noon. Queen Emma and her entourage enter the lovely Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow on horseback, accompanied by as many as thirteen hula halau from around the state who perform ancient chants and dances as gifts for their Queen. Ongoing activities include photographic exhibits and craft demonstrations, such as lauhala weaving and Ni`ihau shell lei-making. About 2,500 people attend, a blend of Kaua`i residents and visitors.

Guests of a Hawaiian Queen

Because the festival is a historic commemoration, dancers and musicians perform primarily for their Queen, on a grassy clearing facing her simple royal tent. When Queen Emma trekked up the mountain, members of her entourage paused at scenic vistas to compose new chants and songs. History repeats itself: The spirit of the Emalani Festival is "real", not contrived, and has inspired remarkable gifts of original creativity and sincerity that no budget could buy -- most recently, kumu hula Puna Kalama Dawson's chant Eia I Emalani and falsetto singer Nick Castillo's beautiful composition Wahine U`i

Audience members are welcomed as guests of royalty. As such, they gently are encouraged to observe etiquette such as standing when the Queen enters or leaves and sitting to the sides and rear of the royal tent. The mistress of ceremonies thanks visitors for partaking in the fellowship of a royal adventure. Their chicken skin is not always due to the weather! And, long after the last notes of the join-hands Hawai`i Aloha have settled into the koa trees, visitors recall their day in Kaua`i's mountains through photographs, the souvenir program and perhaps a commemorative T-shirt or poster of Emma's journey.
 

Each year, Emma Naea Rook is represented by a halau member who honors the memory of a woman whose legacy of compassionate service and profound love of nature continues to inspire. Valarie Medina, our 1998 Queen said, "I felt honored and privileged to portray Queen Emma and the festival was very spiritual for me personally. The beauty of the meadow engulfed me and I felt welcome and at home there. Queen Emma's legacy will live on thanks to Marsha Erickson and the hardworking staff and volunteers of Köke`e Museum. The love of hula brings everyone and everything together and I encourage people to attend."

E Hele Kakou Mauka !

We invite you to don your best lauhala hat, pack a picnic and come cool off in the mountains at this colorful, intimate and authentic Kaua`i happening -- now an Aloha Week event. Join us October 11, 2008 for the special 20th anniversary of "Eo e Emalani i Alaka`i".