Pacific Island festival returns to the Henderson Events Plaza

Greeting Henderson with an "aloha," the 21st annual Prince Kuhio Ho'Olaule'A Pacific Islands Festival is scheduled to return Saturday and Sunday to the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 S. Water St.

The Las Vegas Hawaiian Civic Club, a nonprofit that raises awareness about Hawaiian culture, is inviting all residents to enjoy culture from the islands at this free event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.

"E komo mai," said Tamar Hoapili, president of the organization. "It means, 'Come over and enjoy yourself.' If you can't fly to Hawaii, your next best bet is at the events plaza."

According to Nicole Johnson, a spokeswoman with the city of Henderson's cultural arts and tourism department, the event has grown during the four years it has been in Henderson.

"The footprint of the festival has expanded over the years," Johnson said. "Now, Ho'Olaule'A includes the Henderson Events Plaza, amphitheater, as well as Water Street from Basic Road to Atlantic Avenue. And it's still growing. We are seeing more vendors, local and out-of-state, participating in the event."

More than 45,000 people attended last year's celebration.

"Ho'Olaule'A is one of our larger festivals and possibly the largest Pacific Islander event, one that encompasses the entire island community," Johnson said. "The community enjoys it because they can vacation to the island without really traveling there and without the large cost."

Since Hawaii is a melting pot that mixes customs and culture from many islands in the Pacific, the festival plans to feature the same variety.

Attendees can experience tastes from Hawaiian, Korean, Filipino and Samoan cultures.

"You can't have a Hawaiian festival without Hawaiian food," Hoapili said.

Hoapili said organizers have planned entertainment from hula to Tahitian dancing. Two stages are planned, including the main stage in the amphitheater and a stage on the lawn in front of the convention center.

"We have local hula groups and groups flying in from Seattle, Florida and Hawaii," Hoapili said.

Hoapili is working at the cultural village, where people can people to learn how to make fresh flower leis or ribbon bracelets.

"You can also get (temporary) tribal tattoos," Hoapili said.

One feature Hoapili was happy to add was a health fair, where people can get simple checks such as blood pressure and body mass index.

"And it is all free," Hoapili said.

One of the festival's purposes, along with offering a taste of Hawaiian culture, is to raise money for scholarships for the Las Vegas Hawaiian Civic Club.

"Since we've been around, we have raised more than $50,000 in scholarships," Hoapili said. "We usually give out three a year, preferably to a native Hawaiian but not necessarily."

The nonprofit started in 1989 when about 30 people moved from Hawaii to Las Vegas. The Ho'Olaule'A festival started shortly after.

"And now it is the largest event we have here," Hoapili said.

Hoapili has her work cut out for her on Saturday and Sunday.

But if people want to find Hoapili, if she isn't at the cultural section, she will be at one of her favorite trucks.

"I'll be getting shaved ice, if I get a break," Hoapili said. "That's my favorite.

For more information, visit hendersonlive.com.

Contact Henderson/Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 387-5201.