Koloa Plantation Days
A journey into Hawaii's multicultural plantation heritage
Written by a Local Expert
Kalani MillerSummer (July): Koloa Plantation Days - A Journey into the Past
The Story of Koloa
Every July, the South Shore buzzes with excitement for Koloa Plantation Days, a festival that takes you back in time to the era that forever shaped modern Hawaii. Koloa holds a special place in history as the site of Hawaii's first commercially successful sugar plantation, founded in 1835 by Ladd & Company. This venture didn't just transform the landscape. It transformed the culture.
To work the vast sugarcane fields, laborers were brought to Hawaii from all over the world—Japan, China, the Philippines, Portugal, the Azores, and other parts of Europe. These immigrant groups lived and worked together, sharing their traditions, foods, and languages. This convergence of cultures created the unique, vibrant "melting pot" that defines Hawaii today. Koloa Plantation Days is a celebration of this incredible multicultural heritage.
The Festival's Soul
The festival has a charming origin. In 1985, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of sugar in Hawaii, a community leader named Phyllis Kunimura organized a lūʻau and a few other events. The community loved it so much that they decided to make it an annual tradition.
For nearly four decades, this ten-day festival has been a cornerstone of the summer, dedicated to honoring the plantation lifestyle and the diverse families who built the Koloa community. Each year, the festival adopts a theme related to plantation life, such as family, health care, or music, which is woven into the various events. For its 40th anniversary in 2025, the theme is "Holomua: Riding the Waves of Change," reflecting both the island's history and its forward momentum.
What to Expect: A Ten-Day Cultural Immersion
Koloa Plantation Days is a family-oriented festival with over 20 events, many of which are free and held outdoors. It's a fantastic blend of history, culture, sports, and fun.
📜 Historic Activities
You can literally walk through history. The festival offers guided walks along the Historic Hapa Trail, which was once a major route connecting Koloa to the Poipu coast. There are also historical exhibits, film nights, and "talk stories" where you can hear firsthand accounts of plantation life. A visit to the Kaniolouma complex, an ancient Hawaiian village site, offers a glimpse into life before the plantation era.
🤠 Paniolo (Cowboy) Culture
A huge part of the celebration is the multi-day rodeo held at CJM Stables near Poipu. It's a thrilling event with bull riding, barrel racing, and team roping that celebrates Hawaii's own cowboy traditions.
🎉 The Grand Finale
The festival culminates in two signature events on the final Saturday. The Annual Historic Koloa Plantation Days Parade is a true hometown spectacle, featuring beautiful floral floats, vintage cars, walking units, and the majestic Pāʻū riders—women on horseback in stunning, traditional riding attire. The parade ends at Anne Knudsen (Koloa) Ballpark, where the Annual Park Celebration kicks off with food booths, a massive craft fair, keiki activities, and live music from top performers that goes on into the evening.
🌺 Hands-On Culture
One of the best parts of the festival is the chance to participate directly. The Koloa Neighborhood Center hosts free workshops where you can try your hand at traditional skills like lei-making, hula, lomi lomi massage, or even weaving your own palm hat.
Kalani's Insider Tips
I always tell my friends visiting in July that they can't miss the parade. My secret spot is to find a place along Koloa Road early, bring a chair, and just soak it all in. The whole town comes out, and the sense of community is just incredible. The creativity of the floats is something you have to see to believe.
Most events are outdoors, and the South Shore gets a lot of sun in July. I always recommend wearing a hat, using reef-safe sunscreen, and bringing a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. You can find detailed schedules in brochures and newspapers once you arrive, which is a great resource.
The festival is a fantastic opportunity to "talk story" with residents. People are so proud of their heritage and love to share it. Don't be shy—ask about the history of the Pāʻū riders or the meaning behind a float's design. That's where the real magic happens, in those personal connections.
Since many events are centered around Koloa and Poipu, it's the perfect time to explore the area. Consider booking a stay at one of the beautiful Poipu hotels to be close to the action and explore the great restaurants in Koloa.
For the complete and official schedule of events, visit the Koloa Plantation Days website.
ℹ️ Quick Info
- When: July
- Duration: 10 days
- Location: Koloa/Poipu
- Cost: Many free events
- Established: 1985
🎯 Don't Miss
- Historic Parade
- Pāʻū Riders
- Rodeo at CJM Stables
- Cultural Workshops
- Historic Hapa Trail