Celebrate Earth Month during third annual Ho‘olaule‘a no ka Honua

Come celebrate everything about the planet we call home during a special free event the first weekend of April in honor of the people and groups who work to maintain the food systems and agriculture of Hawai‘i while improving the long-term sustainability of the islands.

Hosts Kaua‘i County Office of Economic Development and Kaua‘i Economic Development Board invite the community to attend the third annual Ho‘olaule‘a no ka Honua, A Celebration for the Earth, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 5 at Kaua‘i Philippine Cultural Center in Līhu‘e.

“Ho‘olaule‘a No Ka Honua celebrates our shared commitment to sustainability, highlighting the strength of community and collaboration,” said Kaua‘i County Office of Economic Development Director Nalani Brun. “Our island flourishes through collective care for the land and one another, reinforcing that sustainability is a shared responsibility and a united effort.”

This year’s theme highlights the importance of native and canoe plants, showcasing their vital role in Hawai‘i’s culture, food systems and environmental resilience.

Community members are encoraged to come celebrate, learn and be inspired by the deep connection between flora and fauna, as well as the sustainability of the ‘āina.

“Ho‘olaule‘a No Ka Honua reflects the spirit of ‘ʻAʻohe hua o ka maiʻa i ka lā hoʻokahi’ — ‘Bananas do not fruit in a single day,’” said Kaua‘i Economic Development Board Executive Director Jackie Kaina. “True change takes time and collective effort. This Earth Day celebration encourages us to take action, big or small, to help protect our ‘āina, advance sustainability and build a thriving future for generations to come.”

Bring the whole ‘ohana for a day filled with hands-on activities, live demonstrations and cultural showcases. Explore, learn and be inspired while honoring the island’s natural resources, local food systems and rich heritage.

From interactive vendor exhibits to vibrant performances, there will be something for everyone to enjoy, including:

• LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES. Connect with more than 20 community-based organizations dedicated to agriculture and conservation efforts on Kaua‘i. Learn how to support their work and get involved in protecting the ‘āina.
• LIVE DEMONSRATIONS. Discover how to incorporate native and canoe plants into everyday life via live lei making, cooking and lā‘au lapa‘au demonstrations.
• ENTERTAINMENT. Enjoy emcees Chanel Flores and Nick Kaneakua, prize giveaways, music from Kapa‘a Middle School Choir and ‘Ukulele Band as well as a family-friendly afternoon matinee.

Visit the Kaua‘i County Office of Economic Development website or contact Niki Kunioka-Volz at nkvolz@kauai.gov for additional information about this year’s Ho‘olaule‘a no ka Honua.

If you want to volunteer to help with the event, sign up online.