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!

Kalo & ʻAwa T-Shirt Pre-Sale

Our limited-edition Kalo & ʻAwa commemorative T-shirt pre-sale is live now! Get yours before the sale ends.

Pre-Sale: September 2–9

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 – Check-in begins (Main Lawn)

• 8:30 AM – Protocol (Palm Meadow)

• 8:45AM – Welcome Speech by Richard Pezzulo, Waimea Valley Executive Director

• 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

• 9:30 AM – Third Speaker- Duffy Chang, Pōhaku making and kuʻi demonstration

• 10:30 AM – ʻAwa Presentation and Demonstration by Ulise Funaki

• 11:30 AM – Kalo Identification by Anthony Deluze

• 12:00 PM – Huli giveaway

• 12:00 PM – Hālau hula performances (Halau I Ka Lima Kuhilani )

• 12:30 PM – Music Performance by Jonah Davis

• 1:30 PM – Kanikapila (all guests invited)

• 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

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Kalo & ʻAwa Festival?

  The Kalo & ʻAwa Festival at Waimea Valley is an annual event celebrating and educating guests about the history, cultural significance, cultivation, and uses of kalo and ʻawa. Guests can enjoy hands-on demonstrations, workshops, presentations by local farmers and educators, complimentary tastings, vendors, live Hawaiian music, and hula performances. Admission is free with registration.

• Is there a fee to attend the festival?

  The festival is free and open to all with registration. Workshops and presentations are also free. Food, beverages, and merchandise are available for purchase.

• Where should I park?

  Parking is available in the front paved and gravel lots.

• Do I have to pay for parking?

  Parking is complimentary for registered festival guests with a one-time parking validation code provided after RSVP. Guests without a validation code will be charged the regular parking rates: $2 for one hour or $5 for up to four hours. Kamaʻāina may park free for up to 6 hours with vehicle registration.

• Where and when is check-in?

  Check-in is located to the left of the black trailer restroom near the ticket booth and begins at 8:00 a.m. Guests receive a wristband upon check-in.

• Is there a shuttle available?

  Yes. Festival shuttle service will be available for purchase at check-in.

• Is the shuttle free?

  No. A $5 one-time fee provides unlimited rides between check-in and Palm Meadow. Please note: Festival shuttle passes are only valid for the event shuttle and cannot be used for Waimea Valley's regular waterfall shuttle. Waterfall shuttle tickets are available separately for $10.

• Where does the shuttle pick up and drop off guests?

  Shuttle pickup is at the gate behind the Main Lawn after check-in. Guests walking can reach Palm Meadow in approximately 8–10 minutes. Shuttle service will run throughout the event with return pickups from Palm Meadow.

• What is the shuttle schedule?

  The first shuttle departs at 8:15 a.m. and the last shuttle runs at 3:00 p.m. Shuttles arrive every hour at :15 and :45.

• Can I use my festival shuttle pass for the regular shuttle?

  No. The festival shuttle pass is only valid between the check-in area and Palm Meadow. It cannot be used on Waimea Valley's regular waterfall shuttle.

• Is the shuttle wheelchair accessible?

  No. The electric shuttle does not have a wheelchair lift. Guests needing assistance should notify staff at check-in.

• Is the event strollers and wheelchairs friendly?

  Yes. Please note the route to Palm Meadow is gravel, and the event takes place on grass.

• Are restrooms available?

  Yes, restroom trailers are available for all guests.

• Is general admission to Waimea Valley included?

  Yes. Festival registration includes general admission to Waimea Valley.

• Can I bring outside food or drinks?

  Yes. Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed. Alcohol is prohibited.

• Will there be food and beverages available?

  Yes. Food and beverage vendors will be available. Credit card or cash payments are accepted.

• Are there shaded areas or places to rest?

  Yes. Shade and rest areas will be available. Tables, chairs, benches, and tents will be provided.

• Where should I go if I need medical assistance?

  A first aid station will be available at the Outreach table. If you need assistance, please notify the nearest staff member.

• Will festival merchandise be available?

  Yes. A limited-edition Kalo & ʻAwa Festival T-shirt will be available. Online pre-orders (date TBD) will be offered at a discounted price and must be picked up at the festival. A limited quantity will also be available for purchase on the day of the event at the regular price, while supplies last.