Looking for a fun and exciting way to celebrate Kamehameha Day Weekend? Announcing the Sixth Annual Hawai’i Kuauli Festival in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. From June 9th-11th 2023, hosting visitors from all over the world in a celebration of Pacific and Asian culture. The festival takes place at the historic King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Resort by Marriott Friday through Sunday, June 9-11, 2023.
Looking for a fun and exciting way to celebrate Kamehameha Day Weekend? Announcing the Sixth Annual Hawai’i Kuauli Festival in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. From June 9th-11th 2023, hosting visitors from all over the world in a celebration of Pacific and Asian culture. The festival takes place at the historic King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Resort by Marriott Friday through Sunday, June 9-11, 2023.
Activities for Friday include the memorable Opening Celebration at Ahu’ena Heiau, featuring the ‘Aha Pule, which will highlight some of the most time-honored protocol from our host culture of Hawai’i, and visiting groups representing Korea and Tonga.
The Dynasty of Kamehameha will also be celebrated that evening at the Hawai’i Kuauli Hula Hoike. Halau of keiki to kupuna from throughout the island will be performing hula kahiko and ‘auana, sharing the stories of Kamehameha and his lineage. Hosted by Halau Ka’eaikahelelani, this event will be held on the historic grounds of Ahu’ena Heiau, the final residence of Kamehameha I.
On Saturday,the second day of the festival – enjoy the Kamehameha Day floral parade before strolling the Hawai’i Kuauli Marketplace. Enjoy entertainment by Ke Kula o ‘Ehunuikaimalino and take in the Hawai’i Kuauli Wearable Arts Exhibit and fashion show. Directed in conjunction with Nita Pilago, owner of Wahine Toa Designs, the event will feature local and international designers. Pioneers in Hawai’i’s fashion industry will diplay and share their stories of developing a sustainable wearable arts career in Hawai’i. You’ll also find some of today’s best emerging fashion talent. Pop-ups from these designers will create a rare opportunity to purchase their garments!
Day Two concludes with the Third Annual Le Kaua Ailao Fireknife Competition. Hosted by Island Breeze Productions and the Siva Afi Company, this is the only fireknife competition on Hawai’i Island and a qualifier for the National Fireknife Competition. Catch the skill and mastery of our champion fireknife dancers as they battle to be named the Le Kaua Ailao Champion!
On Sunday, festival organizers present the Taste of the Pacific &Asia. Four prominent Hawai’i chefs compete for the Taste of Pacific &Asia’s top honors. Using a mystery box of local ingredients, chefs have a limited time to prepare and serve their favorite Pacific or Asian recipe. Watch the competition online before the event (www.HiKuauli.com/food) and after tasting from more then 20 local chefs – in-person attendees will cast their vote for the Mystery Box Challenge Winner and the Festival Favorite! Cooking demonstrations will be presented by Master Chef Brett McGregor and Chef Will Mordido from New Zealand with special musical entertainment by Weldon Kekauoha.
While you are attending the festival, take time to experience the community festivities as well, as all of Kailua-Kona hosts a weekend celebration of Kamehameha with the Kamehameha Day Parade and Ho’olaule’a on Ali’i Drive.
For those not able to make it to the festival in person, visit the festival website and watch Friday and Saturday evenings on the livestream at www.HiKuauli.com.
