Hawaiian & Local Culture

      In Hawaiian and Kauaian culture, there are a plethora of beautiful customs that inspire many of our traditions at Kukuiʻula. Infused with Hawaiʻi’s Plantation Heritage, the ceremonies and celebrations we practice today tie us to the lore of Kauaʻi and help to create meaningful, memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike.

        Weekly & Monthly Cultural Activities

        • Ke Alaula Sunset & Sunrise Ceremony
        • Lei Nani (Lei Making)
        • Nā Mea Hawaiʻi, All Things Hawaiʻi
        • ʻUkulele Lessons
        • Ka Hula (Hula Lessons)
        • Annual Cultural Events

          May Day

          May 1st in Hawaiʻi is “Lei Day,” an official holiday that captures the spirit of the islands and celebrates the tradition of making, giving, and receiving of lei. Every year we host a Lei Contest and May Day Hoʻolauleʻa – a crowd favorite – featuring a Royal Hawaiian Court, mele and hula performances by local hula hālau (hula school), and high-end craft vendors.

            Ke Alaula Sunset & Sunrise Ceremony

            In Hawaiian Culture, there are many beautiful traditions and customs that inspire our own traditions here at Kukui‘ula. One such practice is our Ke Alaula Sunrise Ceremony. A profoundly moving experience, participants begin the month anew after chanting up the first sunrise of the month on a bluff overlooking the ocean.

            On the last day of each month we invite you to gather with us to say aloha to the sun on the Great Lawn at The Clubhouse and prepare to welcome a new month ahead.

              Queen Emma Celebration

              Each year during the second week in October, Members and Guests are invited to join us in honoring Queen Emma, who once walked the bluffs of Kula Makai, with a special celebration including hula performances and Hawaiian music – a special offering to the memory of Queen Emma that reminds us of the rich cultural ties we have to our island home.

                Prince Kūhiō Celebration

                During the third week in March, we honor and celebrate Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole Piʻikoi, born on March 26th, 1871 at Hōʻai in Poʻipū adjacent to our Kaulu neighborhood. We invite all Members and Lodge Guests to join us as we pay tribute to Kauaʻi’s beloved Ke Aliʻi Makaʻainanā, the “Citizen Prince” through mele (song), hula, Hawaiian music and more.

                  Summer Matsuri

                  An annual Japanese custom of honoring one’s ancestors, Obon festivals are a favorite summer island tradition that includes dancing, music, food, and fun. Here at Kukuiʻula, we celebrate the Obon season with our very own Matsuri celebration featuring traditional Bon Odori (dancing), taiko drumming, and some of our favorite Japanese-inspired treats.

                  10-Day Event & Activities Calendar

                  Ho'okipa

                  Kukui‘ula embodies Ho‘okipa—heartfelt Hawaiian hospitality. We invite you to join us by staying connected. And don’t worry! We promise to only send you the good stuff.

                  Ho'okipa

                  Stay Connected

                  Kukui‘ula embodies Ho‘okipa—heartfelt Hawaiian hospitality. We invite you to join us by staying connected. And don’t worry! We promise to only send you the good stuff.

                  Kukui'ula

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