Hawai‘i Island residents and visitors are invited to the first annual Hawai‘i Kuauli Pacific & Asia Cultural Festival, which will be held at the Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel in Kailua-Kona May 18 through 20, 2018.

The three-day celebration of Hawai’i Island’s beauty as a cultural melting pot will include festivities, food, fashion, entertainment, educational programs, art and traditional arts and crafts

workshops, and the first annual Hawai’I Kuauli Keiki Hula Competition.

Wahine Toa Designs, Halau Ka‘eaikahelelani and Te Wharekura O Mauao from Aotearoa are a few of the many participants who will be showcased throughout this event.

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Opening ceremonies will commence at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 18, with a traditional cultural protocol to welcome all festival attendees and participants. This will launch the festival as all cultures of the Pacific and Asia are honored and celebrated.

The morning of Saturday, May 19, will include a Wearable Arts Fashion Show directed by Nita Pilago, owner of Wahine Toa Designs, and pop-up shops by featured local and indigenous designers.

Later that day, the First Annual Hawai’I Kuauli Keiki Hula Competition will take place. Under the direction of Kahelelani Dudoit of Halau Ka’eaikahelelani, the hula competition is open to keiki aged 10 through 18 years old in both kahiko and ‘auana divisions.

The festival will conclude on Sunday, May 20, with interactive cultural workshops and crafting demonstrations.

Festival Schedule

Friday, May 18

5–10 p.m.: Opening Celebration & Protocol

Saturday, May 19

9 a.m.–10 p.m.: Hawai’i Kuauli Marketplace

11 a.m.–1 p.m.: Wearable Arts Fashion Show

4–10 p.m.: Keiki Hula Competition

Sunday, May 20

9 a.m.–6 p.m.: Hawai’i Kuauli Marketplace

l–5 p.m.: Cultural Workshops

5–8:30 p.m.: Island Breeze Lu’au

The festival is organized as a combined multigenerational effort including members of the community from all spheres of influence.

Sponsors Hawai‘i Island Visitors Bureau, the Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel and Island Breeze Productions Inc. all support the festival, which focuses on connecting both residents and visitors in creating an annual interactive cultural festival.

Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel is located at 75-5660 Palani Road.

For more information about sponsorship and vendor opportunities, visit www.HIKuauli.com.