HONOLULU (KHON2) — Honolulu is gearing up for a vibrant celebration of culture, technology and community at the E Hou Fest 2024.
This three-day festival, running from Sept. 12 to 14, promises a dynamic mix of panels, workshops, and interactive events that highlight the intersection of traditional Hawaiian values with modern technological innovation.
Hosted by Purple Maiʻa, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through technology, the festival is set to showcase a diverse range of local and national talent.
KHON2.com was able to catch up with some of the event organizers to find out everything you need to know about this exciting event.
The genesis of E Hou Fest
E Hou Fest is the brainchild of Purple Maiʻa, an organization known for its innovative approach to blending technology with Hawaiian culture.
The festival is the culmination of ten years of work by Purple Maiʻa, which has aimed to foster youth engagement through tech education.
As Leimomi Bong, a creative developer at Purple Maiʻa, explained, “E Hou Fest came about as a way to bring all of our programs together and showcase what we’ve been working on. It’s a tribute to the place that has supported us and a chance to highlight the thought leaders who have emerged from our programs.”
The festival’s name, “E Hou”, reflects its mission to present a fresh perspective. In ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, “E Hou” can be interpreted as “to renew” or “to grow,” which aligns perfectly with the festival’s theme of blending traditional Hawaiian values with contemporary technological advancements.
Bong elaborated, “E Hou Fest is like a fresh spring that’s being discovered. It’s about seeing what new things can emerge and how we can continue to evolve.”
Event details and venues
The festival will be held at several key venues in Honolulu:
Church of the Crossroads: This non-denominational church will serve as the primary venue, hosting most of the day’s events and panels.
Japanese Cultural Center: The center will host the evening market on September 13th, featuring art installations, music, and local vendors.
Each day of the festival is themed to reflect different aspects of community and culture:
Thursday, Sept. 12: Focuses on “Mālama ʻĀina” or “Caring for the Land.” The day will feature discussions on environmental conservation and the integration of traditional practices with modern technology.
Friday, Sept. 13: Dedicated to “Education, Wellness, and Food Sovereignty.” This day will include panels and workshops on education initiatives, wellness practices, and food sustainability.
Saturday, Sept. 14: Centers on “Housing, Exhibitions, and Circular Economy.” The final day will explore sustainable housing solutions and the principles of a circular economy.
Highlights of the festival
E Hou Fest is packed with engaging activities, including panels, workshops and a film showcase. Here’s a closer look at what attendees can expect:
Opening Ceremony: The festival kicks off with a traditional Hawaiian ceremony led by local cultural practitioners. This will be followed by a series of panels and workshops throughout the day.
Film Showcase: On the evening of September 12th, a film showcase curated by Tiara Rubio will feature films from across the Pacific. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with prominent directors.
Workshops and Panels: Throughout the festival, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in workshops and panels led by experts in various fields. Topics include digital creators, traditional Hawaiian practices, and innovations in technology.
Thursday panels: Discussions on Mālama ʻĀina, including talks on regenerative agriculture and conservation.
Friday panels: Focused on education and wellness, featuring sessions on food sovereignty and community health.
Saturday panels: Covering sustainable housing and circular economy principles.
Night Market: On the evening of September 13th, the Japanese Cultural Center will host a night market with art, music, and local crafts. This event is open to the public and free of charge.
Featured speakers and presenters
The festival will feature a variety of notable speakers and presenters, including:
Leimomi Bong: As a creative developer at Purple Maiʻa, Bong has played a key role in organizing the festival. She said, “We’re bringing together a diverse group of individuals to share their expertise and insights. It’s about creating a space where everyone can learn and contribute.”
Doavan Kealoha: Co-founder and co-CEO of Purple Maiʻa, Kealoha has a background in education and technology. He emphasized the festival’s role in fostering community and innovation, stating, “E Hou Fest is an opportunity to showcase how technology and culture can work together to create a brighter future.”
Makanaohaililani Waikiki: The festival’s emcee, Waikiki, has been with Purple Maiʻa for a year and brings a unique perspective as a participant-turned-staff member. “I fell in love with how Purple Maiʻa interacts with the community,” she said. “As emcee, I’m excited to guide people through this amazing event and showcase the incredible work being done.”
Who should attend?
E Hou Fest is designed for a wide range of attendees. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a community activist, an artist or simply someone interested in Hawaiian culture and sustainable practices, there’s something for you.
Bong noted, “We have people from all walks of life attending, from academia to grassroots activists. If you’re interested in what we’re doing, this festival is for you.”
Kealoha added, “The festival is a great networking opportunity. Whether you’re a filmmaker, environmentalist, technology entrepreneur or community organizer, you’ll find like-minded individuals and potential collaborators.”
How to register
While registration for the festival is encouraged, a limited number of walk-in registrations will be available.
To secure your spot, visit the E Hou Fest website for the latest information on tickets and event details. For more information, to register or to secure your spot, click here or follow them on social media for updates. To watch the full interview, see the above video.
E Hou Fest 2024 is set to be a landmark event that celebrates the rich tapestry of Hawaiian culture and the exciting possibilities of modern technology.
With a diverse lineup of activities and speakers, it offers a unique opportunity to explore how traditional values can inform and enhance contemporary practices.
Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of a vibrant community celebration!