Kōloa Plantation Days festivities return to The Shops at Kukui‘ula

The Shops at Kukui‘ula is once again hosting a week of festive, family-friendly events in conjunction with Kōloa Plantation Days, this year celebrating the festival’s 40th anniversary.

This year’s theme “Holomua: Riding the Waves of Change” invites guests of the Poʻipū shopping and dining destination to reflect on the past while celebrating Kaua‘i’s rich plantation heritage through storytelling, music and culinary experiences.

EVENT SCHEDULE

• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. JULY 18: Flavors of Kukui‘ula.
• 6:30 to 8 p.m. JULY 21: Hawaiian Storytelling with Master Storyteller Lopaka Kapanui.
• 3:30 to 6 p.m. JULY 23: Kaua‘i Culinary Market (chef demonstration at 5 p.m.).

“The Shops at Kukui‘ula is proud to support the 40th anniversary of Kōloa Plantation Days and bring the community together through cultural programming that celebrate the stories, music and flavors of our island’s plantation heritage,” said Mike Hubbard, senior property manager for the center’s Hawai‘i-based owner and operator Alexander & Baldwin, in an announcement about the upcoming festivities.

Hubbard added that this year’s theme is a reminder of how the Garden Isle community continues to evolve while honoring its roots.

EVENT DETAILS

Flavors of Kukui‘ula

• Celebrate this milestone anniversary at Kaua‘i’s largest family-friendly pau hana party, featuring street-style culinary bites and plantation-inspired treats from participating restaurants. Guests will enjoy live entertainment by the island’s premier kachi-kachi band Wally Rita Y Los Kauaianos, with an opening performance by local musician Ola ‘Ākau.

Hawaiian Storytelling with Master Storyteller Lopaka Kapanui

• Renowned Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner Lopaka Kapanui returns to share captivating tales of life during the plantation era as well as legendary ghost stories passed down through generations. Join him under the stars in the Palm Court for an immersive evening of history, folklore and connection.

Kaua‘i Culinary Market

• The weekly market will showcase plantation-era foods that reflect the island’s diverse cultural heritage, which continues to be shared and enjoyed by residents and visitors. Aa special chef demonstration by Living Foods will showcase the diverse flavors, cultural influences and cooking styles shaped during the sugar plantation era.

Visit The Shops at Kukui‘ula website or follow @shopsatkukuiula on Facebook and Instagram for more information.