Grow Hawaiian Festival at museum to highlight culture

Immerse your family in island culture and the arts at the Grow Hawaiian Festival from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Bishop Museum.

The free event, sponsored by Hawaiian Electric Co., also highlights the environment and sustainable lifestyles and offers free admission to the entire museum.

Well-known artisans will demonstrate traditional Hawaiian crafts, and attendees can learn how to make lei, weave lauhala, sew Hawaiian quilts, prepare poi, create block prints, beat kapa, carve implements, and tie net carriers and fishnets. Artist and cultural practitioner Sig Zane will discuss the significance of native plants in Hawaiian practices and the inspiration for his distinctive print designs in a special presentation at 11 a.m. in Atherton Halau. His popular apparel and accessories will be available for purchase at the festival marketplace.

The marketplace will showcase local products, including Hawaiian coffee, books, feather jewelry, handmade soaps, living floral arrangements and native plants. The Oahu Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions about growing plants in different settings.

Festival attendees can get practical information on clean energy, conservation and electrical safety, and participate in activities and games with prizes.

Student finalists in HECO’s sustainable graduation gift contest will be on display, with the audience voting to determine the winner in the elementary, middle school and high school divisions. The gifts are made with natural, reusable, compostable, or locally made materials. Winners will receive an iPad 2 and $100 for their classroom.

Families can also enjoy local food favorites, hula by Na Pualei O Likolehua (9:30 a.m.), dance by Kapolei High School’s Polynesian Club (10:30 a.m.), and music by Hi‘ikua (11:45 a.m.) and Kaumakaiwa Kanaka‘ole (1:15 p.m.).

For more information, call 543-7511 or visit grow­hawaiian.heco.com.