Tongan Voices, Tongan Hearts

By Léo Azambuja

Bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun and cultural learning at Lihu‘e United Church today.

As part of Kaua‘i Historical Society’s 100-year anniversary celebrations, the nonprofit is co-sponsoring “The Joyful Voices of Tonga
” event to highlight the Tongan contribution to Kaua‘i.

Donna Stewart, marketing coordinator for KHS, said this South Pacific nation has added to the island’s cultural diversity for more than half a century.

“(Tongans) are not part of the plantation immigration, but they have immigrated here since the 1960s and they have a growing community here,” Stewart said.

Today’s program includes choirs, musicians and dancers from Tongan congregations sharing their spirit and culture.

The stone-wall Church is behind King Auto Center at 4340 Nawiliwili Rd. The family event is free and is from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Visit www.kauaihistorialsociety.org for more information.