Preparing for Makahiki

As the Makahiki season approached, the people began the preparations by working hard and making sure that their resources were plentiful. They respected and took care of the land and sea, which were governed by chiefs, and everyone helped to prepare their harvest for the time of Makahiki.

Activity Plan	Content
Goals: Discuss the concept of Makahiki being a four-month season of celebration, peace, and thanksgiving; Explain the concept of kapu, or the set of laws which governed the Hawaiian people; Discuss the role of Lono, god of peace, agriculture, and fertility, during Makahiki; and Describe the roles and responsibilities of the ali‘i, or chiefs, and the maka‘āinana, or working class people.	Preparing for Makahiki Audio PowerPoint Preparing for Makahiki was an important time for the Hawaiian people. It was during this time that ho’okupu (offerings) were prepared to give thanks to the god Lono for a bountiful year. Much preparation took place in making sure that enough food was prepared and stored to last for the entire duration of the Makahiki season. Click on the link above to start the presentation.
	The Ahupua‘a Audio PowerPoint "He ali‘i ka ‘āina; he kauā ke kanaka:" The land is chief; man is its servant. The ahupua‘a belonged to the gods and was managed by the chief. Under the guidance of the chief, resources were managed for the well being of all that lived within the ahupua‘a. It was believed that the chief in charge was the physical manifestation of the gods thus accepting the gifts presented at the opening of Makahiki. Click on the link above to start the presentation.
	Makahiki Video Clips Produced by: Kamehameha Schools Curriculum Support and Dissemination Branch Celebrating What Comes from the Land Eric Enos discusses the importance of Makahiki in regards to the connection of ‘āina and its people. Importance of Spirituality ‘Umi Kai shares how Makaihiki is a time for a warrior to recharge his spirituality. Purpose of Makahiki ‘Umi Kai shares how the Makahiki season was part of the Hawaiian lifestyle and an important time for all things to rest. Give Thanks to Kupuna and Ali‘i Dr. Manu Meyer shares the importance of thanksgiving to kūpuna and ali‘i during the celebration of Makahiki. Give Thanks to Lono Dr. Manu Meyer shares the importance of thanksgiving to Lono during the celebration of Makahiki. Click on a link above to watch a video.
	Makahiki Audio Clip Produced by: Kamehameha Schools Curriculum Support and Dissemination Branch "‘Uē Ka Lani, Ola Ka Honua" A song of the ‘ōlelo no‘eau, or proverb: "Uē ka lani, ola ka honua:" When the heavens weep, the earth lives. Click the play button to start
	Online Activities Test your knowledge on this section by playing the interactive games below. Flash Cards Can you identify the Hawaiian plants that were used as food? Click the link above to play. Matching Can you match all the Hawaiian terms to their corresponding images? Click the link above to play.
	Audio Hawaiian Vocabulary List Preparing for Makahiki Vocabulary List Narrated by Ānuenue Pūnua Click on the link directly above to review the Hawaiian vocabulary words used in this section. You may also print out the vocabulary list (PDF) as needed.