Koloa Plantation Days Celebration

Every year, thousands of people converge on Kauai to celebrate Koloa Plantation Days, a celebration commemorating the history of the sugar plantation life and its economic and cultural influence.

When Koloa Sugar Plantation began operating in 1835, it was the beginning of an industry that would transform the future of Kauai and the rest of the state. Soon, workers flocked from countries all over the world – Japan, China, Philippines, Portugal, and Germany – in search of a better life and greater opportunity.

Life on the sugar plantations was simple. Workers lived in modest homes in the plantation camp, shopped in family owned general stores for necessities, and became ohana (family) with their new neighbors, all who came from different backgrounds and experiences. Communication was a challenge and the workers in the sugarcane fields soon created a type of broken dialect with words of each culture, which today we call “Pidgin English.” It was the beautiful blending of cultures, traditions, and people that was so influential to the melting pot culture of Hawaii today.

Over time, the ownership of Koloa Sugar Plantation changed many hands. The McBryde family, who owned sugar and pineapple plantations in Eleele, purchased the Old Koloa Mill in 1899. In 1948, McBryde Plantation merged with Grove Farm Company, who continues to own the now historic mill and surrounding area.   When the Koloa sugar mill closed for good in 1996, it was the beginning of the end for sugarcane on Kauai. By 2010, all of the sugar plantations had closed for good.

In 1985, 150 years after Koloa Sugar Plantation first opened on Kauai, a celebratory luau was held in Koloa. Phyllis Kunimura, who was an active community leader and wife of former mayor Tony Kunimura, had a great idea to make it a regular occurrence. This idea turned into an annual event organized by a group of volunteers that honors Kauai’s sugar plantation history with a multitude of activities, canoe races, fun runs, and culminates with a parade through the historic Koloa Town. Thus, the Koloa Plantation Days festival was born.

The Koloa Plantation Days will be held on July 22-31, 2016. There is something for everyone to enjoy, from walking tours, talk story sessions, culinary tastings, music events and more. Families will love watching movies under the stars at Poipu Beach Park, catch-and-release fishing at the privately owned Waita Reservoir (reservations required), participating in traditional Hawaiian games at a Poipu resort, and the family fun run/walk.

Here’s our list of  “must experience” events at this year’s Koloa Plantation Days:

Saturday, July 13, 2024 @ 7:00am – 5:00pm
Before the Main Festival: Tree Tunnel Cleanup

The Tree Tunnel Cleanup, aimed at beautifying the area in anticipation of the upcoming Koloa Plantation Days festival in July, is made possible through support from the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s Community Enrichment Program, as well as contributions from the County of Kaua‘i and other community sponsors and volunteers.

Friday, July 19, 2024
FESTIVAL OPENING & PANIOLO BACKYARD BBQ

More Info: https://koloaplantationdays.com/festival-opening-and-paniolo-backyard-bbq/

Saturday, July 20th

8:00am St. Raphael’s Church Coffee Hour & Talk Story

9:00am Historic Hapa Trail Walk
Take a leisurely morning stroll along the historic Hapa Trail, organized by the Koloa Community Association. Join your tour guides at St. Raphael’s Church, the oldest Catholic church on the island, marking the perfect beginning to your historical exploration.

1:00pm Keiki Fishing at Waita
Join us for a special “catch and release” fishing adventure for kids at Waita Reservoir this Saturday afternoon from 1pm to 4pm, courtesy of Kauai ATV and Kauai Bass Fishing. Waita, Hawaii’s largest freshwater body, teems with tilapia, bigmouth bass, and peacock bass. Don’t miss this rare chance to introduce your kids to a timeless family activity in a stunning natural setting.

Sunday, July 21, 2024

10:00 am Miniature Golf Tournament

4:00pm Historic Sugar Exhibit
Discover the Historic Sugar Exhibit at the Plantation Museum, showcasing captivating portraits of plantation life by photographer Carol Ann Davis, complemented by a century’s worth of archival images from the plantation era, generously provided by the Grove Farm Homestead Museum. Explore a rich tapestry of history with artifacts from plantation camp life, generously contributed by local families and the Grove Farm Homestead Museum.

For more information and a complete listing of all events, visit www.koloaplantationdays.com.