As the new year began, the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline became a hub of cultural celebration. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources reported that Wednesday’s annual First Day Hike attracted a diverse group of participants eager to explore the beauty of East O‘ahu. Hikers and culture enthusiasts alike enjoyed an experience that highlighted the island's rich heritage as they trekked up the Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail.
The event, part of a nationwide initiative to highlight the beauty of America's state parks, held particular significance in Hawaii. Participants gathered before dawn, with the rain clouds clearing to reveal a picturesque sunrise. Matt Young, the southwest district superintendent for Alabama State Parks, observed the event, noting the cultural celebration set against the Pacific's backdrop. "Oh wow, it’s incredible. What a wonderful blend of culture, people, a great turn out, just beautiful seeing that sunset coming up over the Hawaiian Islands," Young told DLNR.
The event highlighted the host culture through various performances. As daylight emerged, Kumu Sam Gon and Halau Mele conducted a traditional blowing of the pū and oli. Shortly after, the sound of taiko drums, performed by students from the Taiko Center of the Pacific, resonated in the morning air, reflecting the Asian cultural influences in the islands. "The sound of the drums echoes far and wide," Curt Cottrell, the administrator of the DLNR Division of State Parks, was quoted saying, "and if you’re not awake you certainly would be as the drummers performed a rousing symbol of the significance of Asian cultures to Hawai‘i," according to the department's news release.
The event concluded with Scottish bagpiper Charles "Scott" Walker leading participants down the trail. As the bagpiper for the Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement, his performance added to the event's cross-cultural aspects. Officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) managed traffic and monitored the large number of vehicles parked along the highway to ensure safety. Cottrell reflected the sentiment of the day, cited by DLNR, "DSP is very grateful for the community partnership for an event that adds cultural elements to the striking natural landscape."
