The Kupuna Hula Festival is celebrating its 40th year in 2026!

The festival will be held September 9 and 10 at the Kona Outrigger Hotel. 

40th Annual Kūpuna Hula Festival Theme

He Lei Poina’ole Ko Hawai’i (Cherished moment of Hawai’i woven into a lei)

As we look forward to next year’s Kūpuna Hula Festival, we are excited to share our theme “He Lei Poina’ole Ko Hawai’i.” When choosing a mele hula you may choose a song that speaks of a cherished lei of Hawai’i. We are looking forward to all of your ʻike in your choice of nā mele hula. E Ola ē!

TENTATIVE FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

September 9, 2026

7 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Rehearsals in Keauhou Convention Center

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Craft Fair Opens

3 p.m. - Instructor's Meeting (Mandatory) 

4 p.m. - Doors open to Convention Center Ballroom

5 p.m. - Opening by Judges and Program Begins:

• Individual Competition: Tute Wahine and Tutu Kane
• International Ho'olaule'a
• Divisional Award Presentations: Tute Wahine and Tute Kane

September 10, 2026

7 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Rehearsals in Keauhou Convention Center

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Craft Fair Opens

4 p.m. - Doors open to Convention Center Ballroom

5 p.m. - Opening by Judges and Program Begins:

• Group Competition: Wahine, Kane, Hui Pu'ia 
• Special Performances
• Divisional Award Presentations: Na Wahine, Na Kane, Hui Pu'ia, and Overall

For more information about the festival, contact Nicole Sasaki-Simmons at (808) 323-4320 or Nicole.Sasaki-Simmons@hawaiicounty.gov