Szn Check In

The malama is Kāʻelo. The anahulu is Poepoe. Polohiwa a Kanaloa, Winter Solstice occurred in line with the Hilo moon this malama. Makahiki season began with the rising of Makaliʻi (Pleiades) at sunset, the first Hilo moon after Makaliʻi rising and other observed seasonal changes; marking the new year in Hawaiʻi. It is Hoʻoilo - rainy season, a time of Lono.

The New Year we celebrate on January 1st is based on the Gregorian calendar system; used in many places around the world including Hawaiʻi. However people whose lifestyle, work, and hobbies rely on natural environmental cycles know the value of traditional timekeeping and perpetuating its practices. Mahiʻai, gardeners, farmers, lawaiʻai, divers, hunters, surfers, paddlers, weavers, hula practitioners, gatherers and crafts folk of all kinds, conservationists, and so on; all have practical reasons for knowing the moon calendar, paths of the sun and stars, and seasonal weather patterns. Anywhere in the world we are we can all work towards eating and living sustainably in attunement with tradition and place.

Many of us in Hawaiʻi will also celebrate the Lunar New Year, which is celebrated by many cultures including Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese. It occurs on the first new moon of the lunar calendar, the Hilo moon of the malama Nana, which this year will be around February 18th, 2026. Different cultures recognize different lunar calendar dates. We first started this newsletter on the Hilo moon of Kaulua last Lunar New Year.

The buzz about making resolutions is here. If you do enjoy setting New Years Resolutions, it’s a beautiful idea that globally people make promises to make change, all around the same time. Especially after being with family and friends for the holidays and perhaps gaining clarity from that. Reflection can always be helpful. If the New Year Resolutions tradition doesn’t appeal to you or you enjoy the beginning but struggle to see them through; let it be consolation that not everyone has always marked here and now as the newsworthy time to start anew. We have many opportunities throughout the months and year to begin again.

Understanding and serving ʻāina is a deeply nourishing and reciprocal way to be guided through life and make decisions. With every night, Hilo moon, and changing season we can shift with the environment we’re a part of as long as we pay attention.

Have a fun, safe, and celebratory time with every holiday you recognize!

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Stay up to date with changes, additions or if we’ve run out of stock, by checking back in with this issue on our newsletter’s webpage - updated daily https://gathercore.beehiiv.com

Song of the Anahulu

Rock Me by The Manaʻo Company

Selections by Māwae - vinyl DJ available for events. Contact @braddahmawae on Instagram or [email protected] for inquiries.

Hub Happenings

Onomea Farm Hub, Project Kanu, and The Lei Bar present: Malama Aina & Farm-to-Lei Monthly Community Day every 3rd & 4th Saturday 2pm-5pm at OFH Farm in Papaikou. Get grounded with Aina and each other. Featuring Meakanu of the month.

Aina Days | Farm-to-Lei Gatherings
As the season changes to a time to honor abundance and find fellowship in each other, join us for a hands-on afternoon of connection through community, craft, and cultivation.

This is a 6 month installation to:
-malama aina & cultivate food
-provide education on lei & fiber crafting
-foster connection to canoe crops & native plants
-build community, share space with each other
-keiki fun
-get involved in developing our shared Hub spaces/facilities

Community Happenings

• Kanaka Kava Hilo ʻAwa Drop on Wed Dec. 31st, pickup at Kamehameha Statue at noon. Start your New Years right with fresh Hawaiian ʻAwa available in 1 gal or 1.5 gal. Kūlolo & Hawaiian ʻAwa extracts available. DM @kanakakava on IG or msg (808) 722-2036 to preorder. instagram.com/kanakakava 

• Hale O Lono Workday every 2nd Saturday of the month. Jan. 10th, 9am-11:30am. Join them in connecting with ʻāina through traditional Hawaiian fishpond management in Keaukaha. More info at instagram.com/hale_o_lono and edithkanakaolefoundation.org/sites. Potluck encouraged. Recommended to bring tabis, gloves, sunscreen, and water.

• ʻAha Makahiki Hāmākua on Sat Jan. 10th, 10am-2pm at Paʻauilo Park. Free community event, family and keiki friendly. https://www.instagram.com/p/DSVgduMknNL/

• Kapali Long: Born & Raised Hawaiʻi Tour 2026 on Sat Jan. 10th, 7pm at The Palace Theater. Kapali “Leadfoot” Long is a Native Hawaiian, “Hawaiiana-Americana, Country, and Blues,” singer-songwriter. Kapali is a highly skilled guitarist, known for his slide and lap steel playing. https://hilopalace.com/palace-event/kapali-long/

• New Year Fresh Gear Sustainability Event to Mālama ʻĀina on Sun Jan. 11th, 12-5pm at Laulima Nature Center. Stop the spread of invasive species. Mending, rummage sale, field gear cleaning. Gear cleaning station, talks at 2pm, live music at 3:30-4:30pm, potluck, refreshments. https://www.laulimanaturecenter.com/events

• Hui ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi on Fri Jan. 16th & Mon Jan. 26th, 5-6pm at Ka Waihona in Island Nation. E hele mai! Join us as we gather and hold space for 'ōlelo Hawaiʻi. This is not a formal class, but a welcoming space to practice, listen, learn, and build confidence in 'ōlelo Hawaiʻi together. We will focus on beginner level speaking skills but all levels of 'ōlelo Hawaiʻi are welcome. https://www.kawaihona.com

• Pepeʻekeo Mill Farmer’s Market on Sun Jan. 18th, 12-4pm. Join for a delightful experience filled with fresh, locally-grown produce, artisanal goods, and a wonderful community atmosphere. Interested vendors? Email [email protected]. HWY 19 & Sugar Mill Rd, Pepeʻekeo, HI 96783.

• Lauhala Peʻahi Workshop on Sun Jan. 18th, 10:15-12:45 & Loveknot Earrings Workshop on Sun Jan. 18th, 2-4:30pm at Ka Waihona in Island Nation with Lauhala Love. https://www.kawaihona.com

• Ka Huli Hou - The Aloha Wear Revival on Sat Jan. 31st, 5-9pm at Nani Mau Gardens. A celebration of Hawaiian fashion, culture, & community. Swap, shop, learn. Live music & hula, fashion showcase, DJ, bar & concessions. Free admission, donations welcomed. Get VIP tickets here

• Unko Apu’s Upena Repair Workshop every 2nd Sunday of the month. Feb. 8th, 12:30-4:30pm at Ka Waihona in Island Nation. Materials & tools provided. https://www.kawaihona.com

• Island Soul Session: Hoʻoilo 2026 with Will Evans, Kuʻulei, and Pohai on Fri Feb. 20th, 6:30-10pm at The Airhouse/Aerial Arts Hawaiʻi. Island Soul Session returns with an intimate winter gathering rooted in conscious music, presence, and connection. Hoʻoilo is the Hawaiian season of rain, reflection, and inward turning - a time to gather close, warm the spirit, and listen deeply. This listening room is intentionally crafted to honor that season through music that speaks to the heart, the land, and the shared human experience. Get tickets here.

• Onomea Country Market is a distribution location for Hawaiʻi Farm-To-Car by Hoʻōla Farms; an online farmers market for local produce, meat, eggs, cheese, baked goods, value-added products, and more. SNAP/EBT accepted. Shop online Friday-Monday and pickup on Wednesdays from 3pm-5pm at the Pepeʻekeo location. https://hoolafarms.org/hawaii-farm-to-car/

Follow this link https://linktr.ee/gathercore to make submissions for Community Happenings and/or Maker Spotlights.