Hoʻokuʻikahi Establishment Day Hawaiian Cultural Festival 2026

Puʻukoholā Heiau was constructed by Kamehameha I in 1790–1791, fulfilling a prophecy that building a war temple dedicated to the god Kūkāʻilimoku would secure his dominion over all the Hawaiian Islands. The National Park Service established the site as a National Historic Site in 1972, and the Hoʻokuʻikahi Establishment Day festival — whose name translates as "to unify at Puʻukoholā" — marks that founding anniversary each August.

Each day opens with a dawn hoʻokupu ceremony, a presentation of offerings conducted at the base of the heiau by hula hālau, civic clubs, and families who travel from across the islands to take part. From mid-morning onward the grounds host demonstrations and hands-on stations in traditional Hawaiian arts: ulana lauhala (pandanus weaving), kapa (bark cloth making), hulu aliʻi (featherwork), lei making, coconut frond weaving, cordage, traditional Hawaiian games, outrigger canoe rides, and live Hawaiian music. Both days conclude at 3:00 p.m.