Events Calendar

Kona Stories
Storytelling in the Pasture - Free!

Every Thursday from 10:30am-12:00pm

Behind our offices in the pasture

The Kona Historical Society is launching a new program to perpetuate and share the wonderful stories of Kona through a storytelling project supported by the County of Hawai’i. “Kona Stories in the Pasture” presents a series of stories drawn from the archives of the Kona Historical Society and local sources told under the tree in the pasture near the forno at KHS. This unique program will bring trained storytellers and special guests to “talk story” about the history of Kona. The stories include narratives of the coffee belt, paniolo and ranch, good gossip, and ghost stories as well as intimate retellings from the diaries and letters of residents of old Kona. Drawing from the history of many ethnic groups, these stories distill some of the history and mystery of this district. Come along on Thursdays between 10:30 and noon while the Portuguese bread is baking in the forno and listen to some of the best of Kona’s storytellers.

A Day tour of Kukui’ohiwai,
Makana’a & Kalaemano

Three Wahi Pana at Ka’upulehu, North Kona
with Hannah Kihalani Springer

When: Saturday, April 4th, 2009, 9:00am-2:00pm

We invite you to join us on a rare and unique visit to Kukui’ohiwai, the homestead where Hannah Kihalani Springer’s family has resided for at least six generations. The home is over one hundred years old and is situated on thirty plus acres of mixed pasture and woodland. The trip continues through the dryland forest area of Makana’a which is being rehabilitated in a cooperative effort coordinated by the Hawai’I Forest Industry Association on land owned by Kamehameha Schools. A visit to Makana’a allows os glimpse of the landscape which prevailed throughout the lowlands of Kona in centuries previous. Kalaemano is situated at shoreline on the Pu’uwa’awa’a side of Ka’upulehu. It is renowned for the high quality pa’akai (sea salt) found there. Today it is the site of a cultural center dedicated to teaching and demonstrating the lifestyle of the people who have worked and lived in this region for generations. Join Hannah and some of her friends for an intimate view of her homeland, from the upland to the sea, as told through family reminiscences and insights.

Cost: $60 current member, $10 children

Bring: Your own lunch, jacket, sunscreen and appropriate shoes for a walk through the forest.

Please call us at 323-3222 to reserve your space. Sign up as soon as possible, as space is limite. Your reservation cannot be finalized until we receive payment and a completed waiver and release form. Final deadline for reservations is Wednesday, April 1st.

Membership Meeting and
Historical Performance

Thursday, April 16th, 5:00pm-7:00pm

Kona Historical Society will be having a membership meeting at 5pm followed by a presentation by Maile Melrose and a living history performance by Peter Charlot portraying Dr. Thomas Jagger, the world famous volcanologist who was one of the early scientists associated with Hawai’i Island volcanoes.

rofessor Jaggar was the co-founder of the Hawaii Volcano Observatory, as well as the Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park. Charlot’s portrayal of Professor Jaggar in Kona is being prepared specifically for this performance, discussing his many activities here, as well remarks regarding his friends and acquaintances. Please join us for this ‘Lecture from the Past’ and be the first to learn the latest eruption predictions for the decade of the 1930’s. This Living History Program is produced by the Kilauea Drama and Entertainment Network, a non-profit organization.

There will be a no-host bar and potluck pupus are always welcome.

Isabella Bird at Kealapuali
on Palani Ranch

Tuesday, June 16th

A combined Jeep Trip/historical performance of Isabella Bird, as portrayed by Jackie Johnson, will be held on the slopes of Palani Ranch at Kelalpuali, the original site that Isabella stayed for part of her journey through Hawai’I in 1873. Call 323-3222 for more info.

Three Extraordinary Women

Friday, August 7th at Volcano Art Center

A living history performance in 3 parts featuring the stories of Isabella Bird, Kiyono Kunitake and Elizabeth Greenwell.

The Palaka Party 2009

Honoring Billy Paris and Ralph Fukumitsu.

Saturday, August 15th
Make your reservations by July 27th

The Kona Historical Society invites you to join us in honoring the lifelong community service of Ralph Fukumitsu and Billy Paris.

• Program Includes
• Cocktails
• Silent Auction
• Dinner and Music
• Live Auction

Auctions featuring:

• Live miniature donkeys

• Art from premier local artists

• Rare photos from the KHS collection

• Feather hat leis

• Excursions on private ranches

• Golf and hotel packages

• Collectible Hawai’iana items

And much more!

• Purchase tickets
• Become a sponsor

A Jeep trip to Kapapala ranch and an Historical Boat Tour on the Fairwinds.
October 2009

Annual Membership Meeting

November 2009