Cultural festival · Kawaihae, Big Island · 9 AM – 3 PM
Hoʻokuʻikahi Establishment Day Hawaiian Cultural Festival 2026
Hosted by National Park Service / Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
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.
- Dawn hoʻokupu offering ceremony led by hula hālau and civic clubs
- Hands-on demonstrations: lauhala weaving, kapa, featherwork, outrigger canoe rides
- Free admission and free parking; no tickets or booking required
- Marks NPS establishment of the heiau Kamehameha I built in 1790–1791
Parking & access: Free admission; free parking. No tickets or advance booking required. The Kohala Coast site has intense sun and minimal shade; visitors are advised to bring water, sun protection, and their own food and refreshments.
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Good to know
When is Hoʻokuʻikahi Establishment Day Hawaiian Cultural Festival?
Hoʻokuʻikahi Establishment Day Hawaiian Cultural Festival is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, 9 AM – 3 PM and Sunday, August 16, 2026, 9 AM – 3 PM.
Where is Hoʻokuʻikahi Establishment Day Hawaiian Cultural Festival?
You'll find Hoʻokuʻikahi Establishment Day Hawaiian Cultural Festival at National Park Service / Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, Kawaihae Rd, Kawaihae, HI 96743 in Kawaihae, Big Island.
What should I know about parking or access?
Free admission; free parking. No tickets or advance booking required. The Kohala Coast site has intense sun and minimal shade; visitors are advised to bring water, sun protection, and their own food and refreshments.
Should I confirm Hoʻokuʻikahi Establishment Day Hawaiian Cultural Festival before going?
Yes. Our listing is based on https://www.nps.gov/puhe/festival.htm; https://www.hawaii-guide.com/blog/puukohola-heiau-cultural-festival-2026. Event dates and times can change, so confirm with the host before you go.
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.
Sources: source; source. Dates and times can change — confirm with the organizer before you go.