Ko Olina Resort Welcomes Aloha Festivals 2025
On the sun-soaked western coast of O‘ahu, Ko Olina Resort will once again be the stage for one of Hawai‘i’s most treasured cultural traditions: the Aloha Festivals 2025. Running from September 7 to 13, the week-long celebration invites resort guests, residents, and visitors from across the islands to come together in a spirit of unity, culture, and community.
The Aloha Festivals, which began in 1946 as a way to preserve and share Hawaiian traditions, has grown into the largest statewide cultural celebration in Hawai‘i. Rooted in the ancient Makahiki harvest festival, it showcases the islands’ history through music, hula, food, and the gathering of the community.
This year’s theme, “Ko Kula Uka, Ko Kula Kai”—translated as “Those of the Upland, Those of the Shore”—highlights the relationship between upland farmers and coastal fishers, two essential contributors to the Hawaiian way of life. The theme celebrates sustainability, interdependence, and the blending of traditions that continue to sustain island culture today.
Cultural Experiences Across Ko Olina Resort
Throughout the week, Ko Olina’s premier resorts and venues will host a variety of cultural events, blending entertainment, hands-on learning, and authentic Hawaiian artistry.
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Aulani will guide guests through Māka‘ika‘i: The Art of Aulani, a walking tour that explores the resort’s art and design, deeply influenced by Hawaiian culture and storytelling. Available from September 8 to 12 at 4:00 pm, the tour brings to life the architectural and artistic details that embody the island spirit. Reservations are required.
Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu at Ko Olina
The Four Seasons Resort will offer a series of interactive workshops that allow participants to create, learn, and connect with Hawaiian traditions:
- Sunrise Shell Necklace Workshop – Sept 7 ($275)
- Body Art & Temporary Tattoos – Sept 8 ($20)
- Lei Po‘o Headband Workshop – Sept 9 ($90)
- Resin Surfboard Workshop – Sept 10 ($85)
- Lauhala Weaving – Sept 11 ($50)
- Hula Lessons – Sept 12 ($100)
Each event is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, inviting guests to engage directly with Hawaiian craft and performance.
Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club
Marriott’s Beach Club will host family-friendly cultural activities and entertainment:
- Ti-Leaf Lei Making – Sept 7 ($5)
- Fia Fia Luau – Sept 9 (reservations required)
- Coconut Frond Weaving – Sept 10 ($5)
- Nā Mele Event – Sept 13, beginning at 9:00 am, with live Hawaiian music and more than 20 local artisans showcasing crafts on the Great Lawn.
Ko Olina Golf Club
The resort’s golf club will host a Hawaiian Mini-Golf Experience, perfect for all ages. Taking place on select afternoons, this interactive activity combines play with cultural learning. Registration is required in advance.
The Grand Finale: Ulua Lagoon Lawn Celebration
The highlight of the week will be the free community celebration at Ulua Lagoon Lawn on Saturday, September 13, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The event, open to the public, is designed to unite resort guests, employees, and residents in a collective spirit of aloha.
The celebration will include live music, dance performances, artisan exhibits, and cultural demonstrations. A special appearance by the Aloha Festivals Royal Court will add a sense of tradition and pageantry, beginning with a ceremonial welcome protocol at 4:00 pm.
Families and visitors are encouraged to bring low-back chairs or blankets for seating. Food trucks and local vendors will provide ono (delicious) island flavors, while Hawaiian music fills the evening air against the backdrop of Ko Olina’s calm lagoon and swaying palms.
Aloha Festivals Beyond Ko Olina
While Ko Olina offers its own slate of celebrations, the Aloha Festivals extend throughout O‘ahu and the state. Signature events include the Royal Court Investiture and Opening Ceremony in Waikīkī, the Waikīkī Hoʻolaule‘a street party, and the colorful Floral Parade down Kalākaua Avenue. Each draws thousands of participants and spectators, continuing the legacy of community-based cultural celebration.
About Ko Olina Resort
Ko Olina Resort is a premier 642-acre oceanfront destination located in Kapolei on O‘ahu’s Leeward Coast. Known for its four man-made lagoons and year-round sunny climate, the resort features world-class accommodations including Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu at Ko Olina, Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club, private Beach Villas, and a variety of dining, shopping, and recreational facilities.
From the award-winning Ko Olina Golf Club to its 330-slip marina, the resort blends luxury, recreation, and cultural authenticity. With its serene lagoons, white sand beaches, and thoughtful programming, Ko Olina is regarded as one of Hawai‘i’s most inviting destinations for both visitors and locals.
Planning Your Visit
- Dates to remember: September 7–13, 2025
- Highlight: Free Ulua Lagoon Lawn celebration, Sept 13 (4–7 pm)
- Workshops & Tours: Offered across Aulani, Four Seasons, and Marriott properties throughout the week
- Tips: Reserve early for limited workshops, arrive early for the finale celebration, and bring chairs or blankets for comfort.
Conclusion
Aloha Festivals 2025 at Ko Olina Resort is more than an event—it is an invitation to experience Hawai‘i’s living culture. Whether through hands-on workshops, the artistry of hula, the pageantry of the Royal Court, or the simple joy of gathering at the lagoon under the Hawaiian sun, this celebration offers a unique way to connect with the islands. For visitors, it is a journey into heritage; for locals, it is a reminder of traditions that continue to thrive.
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