Ocean-goers of all skill levels are once again invited to venture out to Kualoa Regional Park to experience Polynesian ocean voyaging culture during the 17th Annual Kualoa/Hakipu‘u Wa‘a Festival!
This sea-faring event is scheduled for Saturday, March 7 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine, near the park’s Campground A. The event will launch with a commencement ceremony and oli (chant), with activities and booths opening just after 9 a.m.
The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation, along with numerous voyaging & educational organizations, are proud to organize this annual event. The event is free and open to ocean-goers of all ages. The public is invited to come and enjoy this immersive Hawaiian cultural experience which includes: a variety of paddling & sailing activities, educational booths, navigation lessons, and so much more. Food booths are also available on-site.
Of the many event highlights, attendees can interact with numerous wa‘a (canoes) and their experienced crew from around the Hawaiian Islands, weather and safety conditions permitting.
As a result of the festival, Kualoa Regional Park Campground A will be closed for camping from Friday, March 6 through Monday, March 9, 2026. Campground B will remain open, however campers should be aware that there will be a significant increase in pedestrian and vehicular traffic within the park.
For over a decade, this festival has sought to highlight and continue Hawai‘i’s oceangoing traditions, and is frequently blessed with a visit from the Hōkūleʻa and numerous other voyaging organizations and their vessels, such as the Kānehūnāmoku. The event also serves as a birthday celebration for the Hōkūleʻa, commemorating her initial launch from the sacred shores of Kualoa/Hakipuʻu in Kāneʻohe Bay, Oʻahu, on March 8, 1975.
We hope to see you Kualoa!