It is a commonly held belief that ka‘ana at pu‘unana near Maunaloa is the birthplace of hula. Ancient traditions testify to this fact.

To celebrate this significant event, the Molokai community will gather for the 17th annual Moloka'i Ka Hula Piko at Papohaku Beach Park on Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. This is the second exhibition held after the passing of the festival’s revered founder, Kumu John Kaimikaua.

The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘O Molokai, he ‘aina momoma no (Molokai, a fertile land indeed). It represents the idea that Molokai is fed from the land and ocean and that the practice continues today in homes.

Traditionally, an ancient chant that connects the people to the land and ocean is held at sunrise on Saturday morning. The time has been changed to noon Friday. This event is not open to the public.

However, the public is invited to enjoy the 17th annual festival at Papohaku. A variety of craft booths will be on display. In past years the festival attracted 2-3,000 people. Festival organizer Louise Bush hopes that this year’s event is equally popular.

One of the craft booths is the Guild Gallery from Kaunakakai. In honor of Molokai’s annual hula festival, the Guild Gallery is featuring hula-themed art, photography, costumes and accessories this week.

“The Hawaiian culture is especially accented this week on Molokai with the annual Ka Hula Piko, a tribute to the birth of the hula on Molokai,” said Guild Gallery owner Linda Johnston.

Featured at the gallery are exquisite photographs of dancers in action by Kunzig, and Jeff Nartatez (who is also the Gallery’s expert framer). Molokai’s favorite fine artists are showing their hula dancer paintings, prints and giclees.  Works by Anna Fuernsteiner, Steve Garnin, Jack Geng and an original by Linda Johnston are on display.

Lauhala and shell jewelry, realistic clay Hawaiian flowers, pahu skirts, silk pareaus and hand-crafted colorful eyelash leis last as long as the memories of the magnificent hula show. Get into the spirit of the hula and fit right in with these Molokai-made accessories.

The Molokai Artists and Crafters Guild Gallery & Gift Shop is located in Kaunakakai, upstairs above American Savings Bank and open Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 9 to noon.