Celebrating Hawaiian Traditions
Join us for a full day of cultural celebration honoring kalo, ʻawa, and traditional Hawaiian practices through hands-on learning activities and community sharing at our annual Kalo & ‘Awa Festival!
Theme: Growing Mahi ʻai (Farming)
The Kalo & ʻAwa Festival celebrates two plants deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture, history, and tradition. Kalo, represents life, nourishment, and connection to the land, while ʻawa is a ceremonial plant used to foster healing, reflection, and community. This festival honors ancestral knowledge, cultural practices, and the enduring relationship between people and ʻāina.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, September 12th
Time: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Palm Meadow, Waimea Valley
Admission: Free for all
Event Schedule
8:00 AM – Registration Opens
8:30 AM – Protocol
9:00 AM – First Speaker - Joey Cadiz, Lau Lau Solutions, "Community efforts after Kona Low storms"
9:15 AM – Second Speaker- Mokihana Soliai, Waimea Valley Ancestral Crop Gardener "Mahi`ai at Waimea"
9:45 AM – Third Speaker- Duffy Chang, "Pohaku Ku`i`ai"
10:30 AM – 11:30am ʻAwa Presentation and Demonstration by Waimea Valley
10:45 AM – Kalo Identification
12:00 PM – Huli giveaway
1:00 PM – Hālau hula performances (Halau I Ka Lima Kuhilani )
2:00 PM – Live music/ Kanikapila
3:00 PM – Event ends
Experience Includes
Opening ceremony and cultural protocol
Live hula and Hawaiian music
Cultural demonstrations and ʻike sharing
Kalo identification and tasting experiences
ʻAwa preparation and cultural education
Hands-on learning activities and community engagement
Local vendors and food offerings
Huli giveaway
Keiki Activities
Plant & wood slab sale