News Release
For more information, Stella Burgess,
sburgess@hyatt.com,
808-240-6369

Trio of Native Hawaiian Interpretive Events Planned for First Weekend of October at Grand Hyatt Kaua`i Resort and Spa

Native Hawaiian health and cultural practices bring interactive educational experiences for residents and visitors through the Hawaiiana Festival, the Malama Ola Festival and the "Is Hawaiian Culture Alive and Well" conference, slated for October 1, 2, and 3 at the Grand Hyatt Kaua`i Resort and Spa in Po`ipu.

POI`PU, KAUA`I, HI, June 5, 2009 - A trio of events established to teach and perpetuate Native Hawaiian cultural practices and values is slated for October 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, at the Grand Hyatt Kaua`i Resort and Spa in Po`ipu, Kaua`i. Encompassing the 17th annual Hawaiiana Festival, the 3rd annual Malama Ola Festival and the 4th annual "Is Hawaiian Culture Alive and Well" conference, numerous activities are designed to involve visitors and residents in learning about different aspects of the Native Hawaiian culture.

The Hawaiiana Festival, surrounds teaching and demonstrations about a variety of Native Hawaiian cultural practices such as wood carving, lauhala weaving, tapa-making, feather arts, poi pounding, the art of kakau (tattoo), stone carving, lei making, music, and dance. Many of these activities invite attendees to participate as part of a hands-on learning experience. Hawaiian food and entertainment is also planned including a lu`au.
On the same dates, a focus on Hawaiian healing practices will be presented in a series of health and wellness activities grouped together under the title, the Malama Ola Festival (to take care of life), taking place at the Grand Hyatt Kaua`i's Anara Spa. Malama Ola provides opportunities for residents and visitors to partake in classes such as hula aerobics, Hawaiian martial arts, yoga, and lomi lomi massage. Also on the Malama Ola event list will be teaching and demonstrations of La`au lapa`au (uses of Hawaiian medicinal plants), the importance of mana (spirit) in health, the concepts of ho`oponopo (to make things right), and the healing fundamentals of ha (breath).

On Friday, October 2nd the Hawai`i Hotel and Lodging Association - Kaua`i Chapter will present an all day conference offering a series of panel discussions titled "Is Hawaiian Culture Alive and Well." Experts in Native Hawaiian cultural issues will discuss topics about Native Hawaiian practices as they relate to the hospitality industry.

All events are open to the public with most activities free of charge. Events are subject to change. There is a registration fee for the conference on Friday, October 2nd. The Hawaiiana and Malama Ola Festivals are partially sponsored by the Hawai`i Tourism Authority and Kaua`i County. Friday's conference is organized by the Kaua`i Chapter of the Hawai`i Hotel and Lodging Association. Other contributors to the events include the Po`ipu Beach Foundation and various businesses on Kaua`i's south shore. For more information, contact Stella Burgess, sburgess@hyatt.com , 808/240-6369 or go to http://hawaiianafestival.wetpaint.com or Twitter: hawaiianafest.

####
Photos available upon request.
Written by: Margy Parker
Public Relations Manager
Hawaiiana and Malama Ola Festivals
808-651-5394 (cl), 541-902-8809 (ph)