Historic Kōloa Plantation Days underway on Kaua‘i’s south shore

Historic Kōloa Plantation Days is underway with a myriad of activities spanning throughout the week and culminating with a parade on Saturday.

This 10-day festival celebrates the many ethnic groups that came to Hawai‘i to work on sugar plantations and the Hawaiians who welcomed them. Those who come to the event experience music, dances and food of those cultures.

Most events are outdoors and free of charge.

“Held in the area where Hawai‘i’s first sugar plantation was founded in 1835, Kōloa Plantation Days comprises a lively, family-oriented slate of events that showcase the area’s social history, its natural history, and its diverse cultural traditions,” according to the Kōloa Plantation Days website.

Throughout the week, from the first walk down Hapa Trail and a rodeo weekend featuring paniolo culture, a variety of live music events and cultural performances will be on display. there will be a historic exhibit and film night, craft fairs, culinary demonstrations and tasting events, Polynesian revue, and the historic parade and park celebration.

Click here for more information on the week’s events.

the annual Historic Kōloa Plantation Days Parade takes place Saturday at 10 a.m. All streets along the parade route will be closed from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Kaua‘i Bus will not have service in the Kōloa area.

Road closures will include:

• Po‘ipū Road (from the Old Cane Haul Road near Kiahuna Golf Course to Kōloa Road)
• Kōloa Road (from Ala Kalanikaumaka to Weliweli Road)
• Maluhia Road (from Kōloa Road to Ala Kinoiki)

Kaua‘i Bus temporary route changes for the Kōloa Shuttle include:

No service at the Kōloa Telephone Exchange, Kōloa Elementary School, Kukuiula Store, Kōloa Post Office, and Kōloa Neighborhood Center bus stops.

The closest bus stop on the island’s southern portion for those wishing to travel to Po‘ipū is in Kalāheo.

Motorists wishing to access Po‘ipū and Kōloa towns during that time may do so via Waila‘au Road or Ala Kinoiki, and Ala Kalanikaumaka.

In addition, on Sunday, Ho‘owili Road will be closed from 6 to 9 a.m. for the Kukuiula Outrigger Canoe Club fun run. During this time, Po‘ipū Beach Park can be accessed via Ho‘one Road by way of Pe‘e Road and Po‘ipū Road.

Motorists should allow additional time to get to their destinations as traffic delays are expected.

For more information about The Kaua‘i Bus, visit the Transportation website or call 808-246-8110.