Take in the beauty of nature created all by the bountiful hand of our Lord God in Kokee this coming weekend for the 30th Annual Emalani Festival. We love that so many on Kauai work so hard to keep our island’s fascinating history alive and in this event they recreate the horseback ride of Queen Emma and her entourage up to Kokee.
‘Queen Emma made the journey up from her Lawa‘i beach house with more than 100 companions, eager for an adventure with their Queen. Along the way, she called for her court chanter to offer ‘oli, great poems of appreciation for the magnificence of the region’s landscape and for its precious birds, trees and plants. Other chants praised the monarch’s courage to undertake the trek in the January cold. She sat in the Alaka‘i Swamp and chanted ancient mele to give them cheer to endure a soggy night.’
This year Sharalyn Kahealani Bucasas who was raised on Kauai and is a Waimea High School and University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa will portray Queen Emma, with her entourage consisting of: Lady-in-Waiting Shannon Nohealani Bucasas, Kaluahi, Queen’s guide Norman Hoʻokano, and Kumu Hololio is Kauhi Agoun, Roselle Keliʻihonipua Bailey will be the mistress of ceremonies for the event.
The mountains and forest will echo with song as Queen Emma makes her way into the meadow at 11am. It’s such a joy filled event that all the family will enjoy, with: exhibits, hula groups, Hawaiian music, crafts, silent auction and delicious food. As parking is limited it’s recommend that you car pool where possible and bring your own seating, also please note that this is a smoke, alcohol, and pet-free event, and that as it’s colder up in the mountains you should hunt through the wardrobe for your dusty sweater to bring!
To find out more about the festival please click here for the website, or call 335-9975, and email, info@kokee.org
