By Hadley Catalano

What was once the bustling center of the East side community is now a calm and majestic point, home to the natural and historical beauty of Laupahoehoe.

Except for one highly anticipated weekend day every year, when the sounds of Laupahoehoe Point match its exquisite looks.

This year that day is Saturday, February 18 and with it comes the 7th Annual Laupahoehoe Music Festival, a Community/Cultural and Arts Fundraiser, from 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

The music festival, through the community volunteer group Malama Hawai`i Nei, is a coming together of local artists, well known musicians and top notch entertainers to help support and benefit local school children.

“Laupahoehoe Music Festival is the only festival on Hawai`i Island where the main focus is providing college scholarships for outgoing college bound students. It is also the only festival held at Laupahoehoe Point Beach Park,” said Malama Hawai`i Nei publicity chair Jim Bunzey, before mentioning that the concert also provides assistance for community projects as well.

The remarkable stage for the daylong event is at Laupahoehoe Point’s breathtaking Beach Park, located at the end of the long cliff-hugging road that weaves along the Hamakua Coast.

Driving down till the grassy flat park at the end, patrons will pass through what use to be the center of cliff side community.

“At one time the point was the lifeblood of the area. The village itself was at the point,” Bunzey explained. “After the 1946 tsunami the school was moved mauka and point felt deserted by some. The festival brings back vibrancy to the park. Such a beautiful and spiritual place filled with families and people having a good time is a good thing.”

The benefits of what the music festival bring to Laupahoehoe and surrounding communities continues to grow, guided by festival founder Bruddah Smitty’s original message, “It’s all about the kids.”

What began as Smitty’s vision prior to the festival’s first launch in 2005 – to bring together his musician friends to help area children – the purpose has now expanded wide, acting as a focal point for children to not only gain monetarily, but earn valuable life lessons about participation and volunteerism.

“Kamehameha Schools is sending 150 students from Hilo, for their fourth year, for a community service project to clean the pavilions and cemetery and help set up for the festival. They will be joined by Laupahoehoe seniors who will learn the importance of community involvement,” Bunzey said before going on to explain that his organization will continue their backing of Laupahoehoe School as it moves into charter status. “We will support the students under the upcoming new charter school in the same way we have in the past under BOE system, and we will explore other ways we can help the kids.”

Malama Hawai`i Nei has facilitated and managed the Laupahoehoe Music Festival behind President Lucille Chung, whose family roots run deep in Laupahoehoe and Vice President and former local police officer Don Canario, along with countless volunteers. While operating under a non-profit status, Malama has to date earned over $23,000 in award scholarships, remaining dedicated to Bruddah Smitty’s spirit and message.

Since its first year, the event has grown in popularity and has received volunteer help from numerous area organizations, including Hawai`i County Corrections, Men of Pa`a, and Laupahoehoe teachers and students, helping the festival to reach its seventh year and provide a great local venue to showcase a line-up of outstanding local talent.

“Many of our performers have donated their time — some every year since the first festival,” Bunzey said of this year’s line-up, an eclectic group of individuals and bands. “They feel this is a way to give back to the community and support a worthwhile cause. Attendees remark about the natural beauty of the park and the great entertainment at a reasonable price. Visitors are delighted to ‘find’ such a ‘local’ event that offers an experience they were seeking when they came to these islands. Some visitors now make it a yearly ritual to come to Laupahoehoe yearly for the event.”

The 2012 Laupahoehoe Music Festival will feature returning favorites Times 5, The Lim Family, Halau O Mailelaulani and Halau O Ke Anuenue. Darlene Ahuna will take the stage followed by Kanakapila and the musical group Kunoa. New to the lineup this year will be the Laupahoehoe High School Ukulele Band and the Honoka`a High School Jazz Band. Headliners for the festival will include 2011 four time Na Hoku Award winner Mark Yamanaka and O`ahu’s great slack key guitarist Makana, who will perform at 1 p.m.

Tickets are available at 50′s Highway Café and Sakado Store; Hilo Guitar’s & Ukulele’s, Taro Patch in Honoka`a, Mr. Ed’s Bakery in Honomu, and Music Exchange in Hilo, Waimea and Kona and at the door.

For more information visit www.laupahoehoemusicfestival.com or call 938-3688.

Saturday, February 18

Laupahoehoe Music Festival

Laupahoehoe Point Beach Park

8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

(10 and under free)