Four kōlea: From left, the new kōlea-in-tuxedo flag, mascot Kōlea Nui, volunteer Andres Jojoa Ortega in his EVERY KŌLEA COUNTS T-shirt, and lower right, a curious resident kōlea checking out its namesakes. © Christiaan Phleger

October 16, 2024

What if we throw a party and no one comes? That was my worry when we Hawaiʻi Audubon Society board members decided in September to have a kōlea festival in October.

Because August marks the height of enthusiasm over our Pacific Golden-Plovers’ arrivals, I thought October might be too late for celebrating the birds’ return. My other concern was short lead time. Someone had to get a park permit, gather volunteers, make flyers, create activities, order flags, and transport tents, tables and gear.  And after arranging all that, we then had to get the word out to kōlea fans to join us.

Well, someone did all that and more. Hawaiʻi Audubon’s new Outreach and Education Manager, Elena Arinaga (below), planned, organized, and advertised the “Welcome Home Kōlea Festival” so successfully we’re calling it the first annual kōlea party.

Hawaiʻi Audubon’s Team Kōlea: Foreground from left, Operations Manager Laura Doucette, me, mascot Kōlea Nui, and Education Manager, Elena Arinaga. Left background are Taylor Kim and Charlotte Bender, two of four Kapiolani Community College students who helped with the festival. 

Everyone loved Kōlea Nui, the guest of honor at the festival. Kailua artist, Kathe James, of “Events in Apparel,” custom-made the outstanding costume for Hawaiʻi Audubon.  ©Susan Scott

 

 

MJ Mazurek gives Kōlea Nui (AKA Josh Fisher) a cold drink of water. Even with an ice-pack vest and a head fan, hugging and dancing with children is hot work. Volunteers took turns wearing the costume. ©Susan Scott

Representatives of the new drink, Kōlea Sparkling Hop Water, (zero alcohol, zero calories) shared the Kōlea Festival with us. Everyone enjoyed the free samples, as well as the company’s logo. ©Susan Scott

As to my fretting over dates and details, silly me. Hawaiʻi’s plover lovers are as remarkable as the birds themselves.