RELEASE NUMBER 36 | 26
KAILUA-KONA – OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa will welcome the 40th annual Hawaiʻi Kūpuna Hula Festival on Sept. 9–10, 2026, bringing together kūpuna dancers, kumu hula, musicians and audiences from Hawaiʻi and around the world for two days celebrating hula, ʻike and aloha.
Presented by the Hawaiʻi County Department of Parks and Recreation’s Elderly Activities Division, the milestone festival honors and perpetuates Hawaiian culture through its most treasured resource – nā kūpuna. The 2026 festival theme, “He Lei Poinaʻole Ko Hawaiʻi,” or “Cherished moment of Hawaiʻi woven into a lei,” invites participants to share mele and hula inspired by meaningful connections to Hawaiʻi.
“Hosting the Kūpuna Hula Festival is a privilege and a beautiful reflection of what makes Hawaiʻi Island so special,” said Geoff Pearson, General Manager at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa. “For 40 years, this festival has created a space where kūpuna can share their knowledge, passion and aloha for hula, while giving residents and visitors an opportunity to experience Hawaiʻi’s culture through the people who carry these traditions forward. We are honored to welcome everyone to Kona for this special milestone.”
Over the two-day celebration, audiences can experience individual and group hula competitions, an international hoʻolauleʻa, special performances and award presentations. The festival is also an opportunity to experience the artistry and creativity of Hawaiʻi through a free craft fair, open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, featuring local artisans and makers.
Wednesday, Sept. 9
8 a.m.–5 p.m. – Craft Fair: Browse local crafts, artwork and island-made goods.
4 p.m. / 5 p.m. – Doors open / Festival program begins
Individual competition: Tūtū Wahine and Tūtū Kāne | International Hoʻolauleʻa | Award presentations
Thursday, Sept. 10
8 a.m.–5 p.m. – Craft Fair
4 p.m. / 5 p.m. – Doors open / Festival program begins
Group competition: Nā Wahine, Nā Kāne and Hui Pūʻia | Special performances | Award presentations
The festival is open to senior dancers age 55 and older, with the competition providing a stage for kūpuna to share their mastery and love of hula. The 40th anniversary also builds on the festival’s long-standing connection to Hawaiʻi Island and its international hula community. In 2025, nearly 300 kūpuna from Hawaiʻi Island, Molokaʻi and Japan participated in the festival at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa.
Located on the Kona Coast, OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa provides a fitting setting for the celebration, with its connection to Keauhou and its ongoing commitment to sharing the culture, history and natural beauty of Hawaiʻi with guests and the local community.
For event details and reservations, visit outrigger.com. Special rates are available using promo code: HULA2026
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