Cultural festival · Kōkeʻe, Kauaʻi
Eo e Emalani i ke Alakaʻi Festival 2026
Hosted by Hui o Laka (Kōkeʻe Natural History Museum)
- When
- Nov 7, 20269 AM – 4 PM
- Where
- Kōkeʻe, KauaʻiGet directions
- Host
- Hui o Laka (Kōkeʻe Natural History Museum)
Sources
Dates and times can change — confirm with the organizer before you go.
Date
- Saturday, November 7, 2026, 9 AM – 4 PM
What to expect
The annual Emalani Festival honors Queen Emma Kaleleonalani's 1871 journey to the highlands of Kōkeʻe, reenacted with the Queen's arrival on horseback into Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow. The day features hula hālau from across the state performing for the royal court, plus Hawaiian protocol ceremonies, lei-making, and cultural exhibits.
Plan your visit
- Food & vendors
- Traditional Hawaiian cuisine and food tents on the grounds; VIP packages include a catered meal.
- Parking & access
- Free general admission; VIP packages available with reserved covered seating and shuttle service from Kekaha Neighborhood Center.
Farmers markets this weekend
Plan your weekend on Kauai
While you’re out for Eo e Emalani i ke Alakaʻi Festival, see who else is open — and meet the makers and farmers behind Hawai‘i’s markets.
Nothing to show here.
About cultural festivals
Hawaii's cultural festivals gather food, performing arts, craft, and community across a weekend or longer. Many trace to the islands' Japanese, Okinawan, and broader Asia-Pacific communities and feature taiko, hula, bon dance, and street-food booths.
Some are free block parties and some are ticketed convention-center markets. Come for the performances and stay for the food booths, craft vendors, and local-product marketplaces.
- Check admission before you go — marketplace and convention-center events may charge entry.
- Parking fills early — rideshare or transit is usually easier.
- Schedules and venues can shift year to year; confirm before you go.
What’s worth a trip this weekend
One email a week: the makers worth seeking out, pop-ups, and Hawai‘i cultural events worth planning around.