Henderson hosts Pacific Islands Festival this weekend

Las Vegas long has been known, albeit informally, as Hawaii's "ninth island" in recognition of the many Hawaii residents who visit, and sometimes relocate, here.

This weekend, the Las Vegas Valley can lay greater claim to that honorific than usual when the Prince Kuhio Ho'olaule'a Pacific Islands Festival returns to Henderson.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the event, a partnership of the Las Vegas Hawaiian Civic Club and the city of Henderson.

Tamar Hoapili, the club's president, notes that the festival began in Las Vegas' Lorenzi Park. Then, she says, a renovation of Lorenzi Park in 2007 prompted a move to Henderson, where the event has been ever since.

Hoapili describes the annual celebration as a way for Hawaiians to both share and "perpetuate their culture here in Southern Nevada."

In addition, a portion of festival proceeds helps to fund the club's scholarship program. Over the past 20 years, Hoapili says, the club has distributed more than $50,000 to area students.

Last year's two-day celebration attracted about 40,000 people, according to Hoapili, some of whom traveled from California and throughout the Southwest to attend it.

This year, as always, the festival will offer guests a full slate of cultural, entertainment and educational opportunities.

Visitors may enjoy authentic foods and view crafts offered by about 100 vendors; watch performances by dance teams, hula groups, Taiko drummers, bands and singers; and take part in such activities as Samoan tattoo stamping.

Guests who wish to learn more about Hawaii may take workshops about Hawaii and Hawaiians and the Hawaiian language (call 994-0538 to reserve a spot), learn how to string leis, and find out about the Hawaiian Civic Club's roster of community programs, which, Hoapili notes, includes an outrigger canoeing program.

It's all, Hoapili says, "just trying to keep the culture alive."

While the festival will offer Hawaiians and Hawaii expatriates the opportunity to renew or strengthen their connection with Hawaii and Hawaiian culture, it also will offer the rest of us a glimpse into Hawaiian tradition.

For example, early arrivers may watch the festival's opening ceremony, scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Saturday, which will include a traditional Hawaiian chant and blessings.

"You ask the gods for blessings, safety, prosperity and fruitfulness," Hoapili explains. "I'll tell you, whether you're Hawaiian or not, when (the leader) starts chanting, everyone understands.

The festival might be just the tonic for Southern Nevadans for whom a visit to a Hawaiian paradise seems, Hoapili says, "so far away."

This weekend, she explains, "we're bringing paradise here."

Contact reporter John Przybys at jprzybys@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0280.