Cultural festival · Kaunakakai, Molokai · 9 AM – 9 PM
Festivals of Aloha, Molokaʻi 2026
Hosted by Festivals of Aloha
Date
What to expect
Festivals of Aloha is the Maui Nui community celebration organized by a nonprofit that coordinates events across Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi each fall, operating within the broader Aloha Festivals tradition that began statewide in 1946. The Molokai island gathering has been held for more than 50 years, centered on Kaunakakai town and anchored by a Royal Court, live entertainment, and cultural programming.
The Molokaʻi celebration traditionally opens with a morning parade through Kaunakakai Town at 9 a.m., followed by a day-long hoʻolauleʻa at the Kaunakakai Ball Park (across from Mitchell Pauole Center). Past editions have featured a Royal Court investiture ceremony, hula performances by local hālau, live Hawaiian music, artisan displays, community games, and food booths. A traditional Ulu-Uala-Kalo contest—showcasing dishes made from breadfruit, sweet potato, and taro with public sampling—has been a featured cultural element at prior events.
Program highlights
- Morning parade through Kaunakakai Town at 9 a.m. followed by day-long ho'olaule'a
- Royal Court investiture, hula performances, and live Hawaiian music at past editions
- Traditional Ulu-Uala-Kalo contest featuring breadfruit, sweet potato, and taro dishes
Plan your visit
Food & vendors: Food booths with local fare; past editions have included an Ulu-Uala-Kalo contest with breadfruit, sweet potato, and taro dishes and samples
Plan your weekend on Molokai
While you’re out for Festivals of Aloha, Molokaʻi, see who else is open — and meet the makers and farmers behind Hawai‘i’s markets.
Farmers markets this weekend
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.
Sources: source. Dates and times can change — confirm with the organizer before you go.