How well do you know Palolo Valley? I'd wager you don't know it half as well as its neighbors, Manoa, Kaimuki and Kahala. Once filled with farms, then home to a rock quarry and even a World War II airfield, today's Palolo is a country-style neighborhood in the middle of the city.

Palolo Valley's rich history will be celebrated next weekend with the 14th Annual Palolo Pride Festival. There will be food, local (and I mean local) entertainment, rides and games for the kids, craft booths, and a health fair (sponsored by the Rotary Club of East Honolulu).

Entertainers scheduled to appear include musicians Steve Inglis, Mike Ka’awa, and Kaniloas, and a special guest appearance by comedian Kaleo Pilanca. The event will also feature the debut of "The Best of Ahe Street and Friends." The ensemble features Ernie Cruz Jr., John Cruz, Wayne Kaiwi and Alex Padinuan (with friends Robi Kahakalau and Jeff Rasmussen).

The event is a benefit for the Mutual Assistance Association Center (MAAC).

"We are a non-profit learning center upstairs in the Palolo Gymansium," explains MAAC's Mike Machado, a friend of mine. "We teach tech and life skills to children in the neighborhood — primarily kids who live in Palolo housing and Palolo Valley Homes."

He adds: "The event also has the potential to be the best free concert in town this year: 'The Best of Ahe Street and Friends' is a nod to the street running thru the middle of Palolo Valley Homes where these musicians grew up."

The 14th Annual Palolo Pride Kilikila Cultural Festival A benefit for the Mutual Assistance Association Center Palolo District Park 2007 Palolo Ave. [Map] Saturday, August 2, 2008 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. http://www.palolopride.com

Still want to get to know Palolo better? The second annual Palolo Pride Festival was held in 1996, and the event prompted a nice overview of the neighborhood by the Honolulu Star-Bulletin:

• Palolo Pride: Discover the richness of the valley

• Palolo community is their business

• Valley a country 'heaven' near the city