Hawaii Kuauli Pacific & Asia Cultural Festival returns June 10-12

The fifth annual Hawaii Kuauli Pacific & Asia Cultural Festival will be held June 10 to 12 in Kailua-Kona.

After two years of hosting a virtual festival, the events are back and in person — hosting visitors and celebrating Pacific and Asian culture. The festival takes place at the historic Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel.

The festival opens Friday, June 10, with an ʻAha Pule and Opening Celebration highlighting some of the most time-honored protocol from Hawaii’s host culture.

The Dynasty of Kamehameha will also be celebrated that evening at the Hula Hoike. Halau from throughout the island will be performing hula and mele, telling the stories of Kamehameha and his lineage. Hosted by Halau Ka’eaikahelelani, this event will be held on the historic grounds of Ahuʻena Heiau, the final residence of Kamehameha I.

On Saturday, June 11, begin the day on Alii Drive watching the paʻu units in the Kamehameha Day parade and then stroll through the festivalʻs marketplace. A special exhibit will be presented in the marketplace featuring artifacts from our aliʻi. Enjoy music by Mark Yamanaka during the Wearable Arts Exhibit and shop the pop-ups from some of your favorite local designers.

Saturday closes with with a Night Market and the second annual Le Kaua Ailao Fireknife Competition. Hosted by Island Breeze Productions and the Siva Afi Company, this is the only fireknife competition on Hawaii Island and a qualifier for the National Fireknife Competition.

Sunday, June 12, features the most ono event: the Taste of the Pacific & Asia featuring three prominent Hawaii Island chefs competing for top honors. Using a mystery box of local ingredients from Paʻina by Ocean, chefs will have limited to time to prepare and serve their favorite Pacific or Asian recipe. In addition there will be entertainment, cooking demonstrations and tastings from 15 other Hawaiʻi Island chefs and samples from ʻOla Brew.

Info: visit HiKuauli.com