Celebrating Culture
A celebration of Polynesian cultures from around the Pacific
BY Brooke Rehmann
On the sacred shores of Kailua-Kona comes the Hawai‘i Kuauli Pacific & Asia Cultural Festival, a celebration of Polynesian cultures around the Pacific. This festival, located at the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort, will feature a collection of activities revolving around fire, feast, and fashion. Starting on June 7th, the celebration begins with an Opening Celebration and Hula Ho‘ike, where halau (hula groups) from around Hawai‘i will share the beautiful tradition of hula with guests. The evening will also feature presentations from Tonga and Korea, bringing an international flair to the event.
The following night, things really heat up with the Le Kaua Ailao World Fire Knife Competition. There, competitors from two age groups (11-17 and 18+) show off their impressive fire knife skills, competing to win not only cash prizes but also the adoration of the crowd. You can watch as the competitors toss and twirl their fire knives in impressive ways, thrilling the audience with their bravery and skill. This enthralling event is truly a sight to behold!
June 9th also includes a free event featuring wearable art from various up-and-coming fashion designers. Wander through the King Kamehameha Beach Resort’s mall and admire these inventive pieces on display. There, you will also find a marketplace featuring local crafts folk selling beautiful and creative pieces for you to take home.
But don’t forget your appetite. On June 10th, join the Hawai‘i Kuauli Pacific & Asia Cultural Festival for a day of delicious dining at the Taste of Pacific & Asia. Inside the ballroom of the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort, an array of talented local chefs will share their tasty dishes, allowing gueststo sample a delicious taste of Hawai‘i and beyond.
The 2023 Hawai‘i Kuauli Pacific & Asia Cultural Festival will take place on June 9th
– June 11th at the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel. Each event is sold separately. For more information, including pricing, timing, and participants, visit www.hikuauli.com