46th annual Waimea Town Celebration on Kaua’i kicks off 8 days of fun on Saturday

The popular Waimea Town Celebration, an annual eight-day festival on the West Side of Kaua‘i, kicks off this Saturday with cocktails and cuisine at the Historic Waimea Theater.

The theater’s Mardi Gras-themed party will be the first of many events scheduled everyday through Feb. 25, including rodeo, storytelling and live music.

“Each event is just a way for us to come together to celebrate all of the good works that we do all year long,” volunteer organizer Puni Patrick said. “If you’re going to do one event during the year, it’s usually the Waimea Town Celebration because there are just so many fun things to do.”

Highlights of the 46th annual Waimea Town Celebration – the largest and longest annual festival on Kaua‘i, according to its website – include the Honolulu Theatre for Youth Ensemble’s original production “The Paʻakai [salt] We Bring” on Feb. 22. The play is inspired by the ensemble’s time with traditional salt makers on Kaua‘i.

Neil Diamond cover band Cherry Cherry will hit the stage on Feb. 23 to celebrate and honor Ambassador of Aloha 2023 Jimmy Okada, who will be awarded for his service to the West Side community.

Okada – the former owner of a gas station in Waimea – spent 30 years in the Kaua‘i Boy Scouts as a scoutmaster, advisor and neighborhood commissioner. He also served in the West Kaua‘i Jaycees, West Kaua‘i Lions Club and many other community organizations, including the Waimea Senior Center – of which he is an active member and past president.

“Even from a young age, he was very community-minded,” Patrick said. “When he was young, he’d trade because somebody couldn’t fix their car and they didn’t have money … He’s just unbelievable, and he does it all while being so happy. He’s one of those people, when you see him, he’s always smiling.”

The Celebration’s two-day Ho’olaule’a Concert will feature musical artists from across the Hawaiian Islands.

“That’s pretty much our showcase event. The Ho’olaule’a [a Hawaiian celebration or festival] comes with some of the best talent in Hawai‘i,” said Thomas Nizo, organizer and head of the Historic Waimea Theater.

Scheduled performers include the Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning group Kūpaoa, Bruddah Waltah and Wehilei.

While the Waimea Town Celebration may be an integral part of West Side residents’ year, they aren’t the only participants.

“I can’t tell you the number of tourists who come every year at the same time … They just show up and they get to play,” Patrick said. “It’s such a fun time. People come from not only the neighboring islands, but also from the continent.”

For scheduling and ticket information visit Waimeatowncelebration.com.