The nine-day Koloa Plantation Days festival opens on the island of Kaua'i on Saturday, July 17, 2010. The festival, now in its 25 year, celebrates the history and people of the area of Kaua'i where Hawaii's first sugar plantation was founded in 1835.
Over the course of the life of sugar plantations, many ethnic groups came to Hawaii to work on the plantations. Workers came from China, Japan, Jorea, the Azores, the Philippines and as far away as Europe.
The nine-day festival will feature music, dance, costumes and plenty of food with a number of family-oriented events to showcase the social and natural history of the south shore area of Kaua'i. The festival also celebrates the modern-day vitality of the area which today hosts many of the top visitor accommodations on Kaua'i. Most events are outdoors and are free of charge.
Over 20 events celebrate the plantation heritage and modern-day vitality of Kauai's south shore communities of Koloa and Poipu, during this 9-day family-oriented festival. Each year, the festival brings visitors and residents together to learn about Koloa's multicultural history, experience a diverse range of local foods, culture and activities, explore the area's unique ecology and archaeology, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the south shore's resorts, golf courses, and other neighborhood venues.
Here is a schedule of this year's events:
Saturday, July 17
- Historic Hapa Trail Walk & Beach Lunch by Koloa Community Association. Departs from St. Raphael’s Church, 9:00 a.m. 634-2460
- Sunset Ho'olaulea at Sheraton Kaua'i Resort, 4:00-9:00 p.m. 742-1661
Sunday, July 18
- Miniature Golf Tournament at Lawa'i Beach Resort, 10:00 a.m. 240-5179
- Paddle Fest at Po'ipu Beach Park by Kukui'ula Canoe Club. 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 635-0165
Monday, July 19
- Makawehi Sand Dune Walk at Grand Hyatt Kaua'i, 9:00 a.m. 742-1234
- Historic Video Night & Sugar Exhibit at Kukui'ula Village. Exhibit opens at 6:00 with movie at 7:30 p.m. 742-9545
Tuesday, July 20
- Koloa Plantation Days Craft Fair at The Point in Po'ipu, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 742-1888
- Hula Implements of Hawai'i workshop at Grand Hyatt Kaua'i, 9:00 a.m. 240-6369
- Ethnic Cooking Demo & Tasting at Koloa Town Courtyard, 3:00 p.m. 808-973-0040
- Polynesian Revue & Fire Dancer, Poipu Shopping Village, 7:30-8:30 p.m. 742-2831
Wednesday, July 21
- Maha'ulepu Coastal Hike by Malama Maha'ulepu, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 742-2024
- Traditional Hawaiian Games, Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 742-6411
- Plantation Treats at Kaua'i Culinary Market, Kukui'ula Village. 4:00-8:00 p.m. 742-9545
- Kaua'i Culinary Challenge Finals & Dining, Sheraton Kaua'i, 6:00-9:00 p.m. 742-1661
Thursday, July 22
- Walk Through the Sugar Era at Old Koloa Mill, by Grove Farm. 9:00-11:00 a.m. 245-3678 x222
- Kiahuna Aloha Putting Contest at Kiahuna Golf Club, 2:00-4:00 p.m. 742-9595
- Lu'au Buffet Dinner & Show, Grand Hyatt Kaua'i, 6:00 p.m. 240-6456
Friday, July 23
- Maha'ulepu Watercolor Class by Malama Maha'ulepu, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 742-2024
- Plantation Days Rodeo Preliminary Roping at CJM Stables, 1:00 p.m. 742-6096
- Talk Story: Sweet Memories of Old Koloa, Koloa Missionary Church, 4:30 p.m. 742-6777
- Old Koloa Town Historical Walk departing from Koloa School, 5:30 p.m. 332-5201
- Family Movie Night at Koloa Missionary Church, 6:30 p.m. 742-6777
Saturday, July 24
- "Sweet Memories" Annual Parade followed by Festival in Koloa Ball Park with live music until the sun sets. Horseback and walking units, floral floats, vintage cars, and decorated vehicles are in a great hometown parade that celebrates aspects of the workers' camps in plantation towns. Musical entertainers include: Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom, Kamakakehau Fernandez, Gregg Hammer, Frank de Lima & Augie T, Kachi Kachi & more. 9:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
- Plantation Days Rodeo Preliminary Roping at CJM Stables, 1:00 p.m. 742-6096
Sunday, July 25
- TriKaua'i Triathlon & Fun Run/Walk by Pu'uwai Canoe Club, 6:00-10:00 a.m. 635-6311
- 11th Annual Plantation Days Rodeo, CJM Stables, 11:00 a.m-3:30 p.m. 742-6096
For more information visit the festival's website at: www.koloaplantationdays.com.
