Kalama Days

This past weekend we decided to finally make it to the Kalama Heritage Festival (commonly known as Kalama Days), a three-day celebration of both Hawaiian and Native American cultures. The festival takes place in the eponymous town of Kalama, named after John Kalama. John was a Native Hawaiian who married a Native American, and raised a large family in the area. They became sort of a "first family" of Cowlitz County; thus, the town is named after them.

Now in its 5th year, the festival is produced by Hale o'Halawai O Hawai'i, a non-profit, multicultural organization dedicated to preserving the traditional Polynesian, Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans' blended bloodlines culture and heritage through educational programs, services, community performances, and outreach programs. (per web site)

The festival took place at the lovely Port of Kalama Marine Park, right up against the Columbia River. As we parked our car, we walked past a lei making demonstration. There were several food vendors, ranging from Hawaiian local (shave ice, teri chicken) to the more common fair items (elephant ears, banana splits). We opted to pay for the lu`au and conert (Makaha Sons were the headliner).

In the park, arranged in a square were various vendors selling items or propogating literature. Some were the usual Hawaiian crafts, other were a bit baffling like the US Census and Church of Latter Day Saints. I guess all in the name of aloha.

We did not have time for any of the workshops or lectures. We caught the tail end of the `imu ceremony and then we walked around the park until it was time for lu`au seating. The weather perked up just in time for lu`au seating at 5:00. Perhaps we are getting jaded with all the Hawaiian food we eat, but I have to say I was a bit disappointed with the spread. No poi? No lomi lomi salmon? Green salad, watermelon and bread? But the kalua pig was tasty, and the haupia scored several points. I had never had it with toasted coconut on top. Nice touch.

Then came the entertainment. The opening acts were Alika Nako`oka and Naki`i. We enjoyed some hapa haole tunes with our meal, and then came the headliners. First, Keahi Conjugacion performed, a relative of Brother Noland. She concentrated most of her set on smooth Island jazz. And talked quite a bit. The show ran very late, and it was close to 8:30 when Makaha Sons finally took the stage. But they were worth the wait. When the three men harmonize, it sounds like something from another world (as Dan commented). They sing beautifully, play beautifully and electrify the stage with their presence, ease and confidence. I cannot wait to see them again, but not after sitting in one place for 4 hours!

All in all, it was a relaxing escape from the city. We got to stay at a Red Lion in Kelso, Washington - that doesn't happen very often.

Next we look forwad to the Live Aloha Festival coming up on September 13th!