May Day Festival at Holualoa Elementary School
Holualoa Elementary School’s May Day celebrates Hawaiian culture and welcomes a new season every May. A beautiful stage is set up beneath our school mural of an I’o by artist Lydia8, complete with stunning floral arrangements and elegant chairs for the May Day King and Queen and their student court. Students wear their finest aloha wear and leis and family and friends fill our campus with the spirit of Aloha.
The student court is selected by a scoring rubric to a questionnaire that students answer on their own and with the help of family members. Our office staff, cafeteria staff and community members help to judge and compile the results.These exemplary students are chosen and or recommended by their teacher bbb because of their leadership, behavior and love of Hawaiian culture. They are given special aloha wear and handmade floral leis, graciously sponsored by our PTO and Aloha MAP. They work for months ahead of time to prepare a Hula to offer the community taught by Mrs. T & Mrs. Aiona, and the young men are mentors . They also watch the performances from a special stage.
Each grade level also works hard to prepare a special song and dance with their homeroom teacher and Taylor Deskin, our Music and Drama Teacher. Performances may include hula, traditional chants or songs. These performances instill a sense of pride and cultural identity in our students and honor what is so unique about Holualoa.
On the day of the festival, families and friends gather on the field to watch and kupuna will find a tent set up to provide shade. The May Day Festival fosters a sense of belonging and connection among students, families, teachers, and residents. Local businesses often contribute to the festivities by setting up booths offering food, drinks, and art, clothing and crafts. Our PTO organization often arranges a bake sale. All proceeds from the bake sale go to support classrooms and student learning.
Our May Day festival is a community effort, with resources shared between multiple local public schools, live music provided by talented local musicians like LT Smooth and XXX. Alumni, retired teachers and honored guests all come to enjoy the performances of each grade level, to celebrate community and welcome Spring together.
Holualoa Elementary School's May Day Festival is more than just a school event; it's a cherished tradition that embodies the spirit of spring, cultural heritage, and community. It provides a platform for students to showcase their talents, strengthens the bonds within the school community, and celebrates the beauty of the spring season in beautiful Holualoa, Hawaii.