News Release

Puʻukoholā Heiau 54th Anniversary Establishment Day Hawaiian Cultural Festival

NPS Photo

News Release Date: August 5, 2026 Kawaihae, Hawaiʻi – On Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site will celebrate its 54th anniversary as a unit of the National Park Service with Hoʻokuʻikahi i Puʻukoholā, the park's annual Establishment Day Hawaiian Cultural Festival.

This year's theme is Mālama Kō Aloha, or "Keep your love."

The weekend begins with opening ceremonies at Puʻukoholā Heiau at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, including hoʻokupu (gift-giving), protocol, and hula. Festival activities continue throughout the weekend at Spencer Park at ʻŌhaiʻula Beach each day and will feature cultural practitioners sharing traditional Hawaiian arts and crafts, music, hula, demonstrations, hands-on activities, informational booths, and more.

The 54th Anniversary Establishment Day Hawaiian Cultural Festival is a free, family-friendly event. Hats, sunscreen, and water are recommended. Attendees are also encouraged to bring refreshments if they plan to stay throughout the day.

This free event is sponsored by the National Park Service, Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association, and Nā Aikane o Puʻukoholā Heiau.

When: August 15-16, 2026
Opening ceremonies: Saturday, August 15 at 6:00 a.m., Puʻukoholā Heiau
Festival activities: Saturday, August 15, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; Sunday, August 16, 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Spencer Park at ʻŌhaiʻula Beach
Where: Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site and Spencer Park at ʻŌhaiʻula Beach, Kawaihae, Hawaiʻi.