Cultural festival · Kōloa, Kauaʻi
Kōloa Plantation Days 2026
Hosted by Kōloa Plantation Days
- When
- Jul 17–27, 2026Time TBA
- Where
- Kōloa, KauaʻiGet directions
- Host
- Kōloa Plantation Days
2 dates
Dates
What to expect
The Kōloa Plantation, established in 1835, became Hawaiʻi's first successful commercial sugar mill, anchoring a multiethnic community that drew immigrant workers from Japan, Portugal, the Philippines, and beyond. Kōloa Plantation Days was founded in 1985 to mark the plantation's sesquicentennial, with the inaugural celebration drawing roughly the entire Kōloa community of about 1,000 residents. Now in its fourth decade, the festival draws thousands of attendees from across the Islands each July.
The ten-day program spans Old Kōloa Town and the surrounding south-shore community, with events including a Historic Parade, paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) rodeo, Heritage Craft Fair, Kauai Culinary Market, guided Hapa Trail Walk, keiki fishing, hula and craft workshops, and the Annual Park Celebration featuring live music and food vendors. The 2026 edition carries the theme "The Last Harvest," with Ada Henne Koene serving as Grand Marshal.
Program highlights
- Kōloa Plantation (est. 1835) was Hawaiʻi's first successful sugar mill
- Festival founded 1985 to mark the plantation's 150th anniversary
- Ten-day program: Historic Parade, paniolo rodeo, craft fair, culinary market, workshops
- Thousands attend annually from across the Islands and beyond
Plan your visit
- Food & vendors
- Plantation-style food booths at the Annual Park Celebration; Kauai Culinary Market on July 22
- Parking & access
- Park Celebration admission $5; children 12 and under free; most other festival events are free
Farmers markets this weekend
Plan your weekend on Kauai
While you’re out for Kōloa Plantation Days, see who else is open — and meet the makers and farmers behind Hawai‘i’s markets.
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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.