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Lihue Today
By the People, for the People
Hundreds Enjoy 49th Annual Waimea Town Celebration
West Side of Kauai celebrates with 8 days of events and activities
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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The 49th annual Waimea Town Celebration on the West Side of Kauai wrapped up with a two-day Ho'olaule'a festival, featuring music, food, and craft vendors. The weeklong celebration included events like 'Kauai Cocktails and Cuisine', a luau honoring King Kaumualii, and the naming of Kumano I Ke Ala as the Ambassador of Aloha. The celebration also included athletic competitions like the Kauai Paniolo Showdown, Waimea High School softball invitational, Na Heihei A Ola Fun Run, and Natole Long Distance Canoe Race.
Why it matters
The Waimea Town Celebration is a longstanding annual event that brings the West Side community together, celebrates the region's history and culture, and provides opportunities for local nonprofits and businesses to fundraise and connect with residents. After two years of pandemic disruptions, the return of the full celebration is a welcome sign of normalcy and community revival.
The details
The 49th annual Waimea Town Celebration was funded primarily by the Hawaii Tourism Authority through the Community Enrichment Program, as well as numerous community sponsors. The festivities kicked off on Valentine's Day with 'Kauai Cocktails and Cuisine' at the historic Waimea Theater. Other events included a luau honoring King Kaumualii, the naming of Kumano I Ke Ala as the Ambassador of Aloha, and various athletic competitions like the Kauai Paniolo Showdown and Waimea High School softball invitational.
- The celebration ran for 8 days, wrapping up with the 2-day Ho'olaule'a festival on February 24-25, 2026.
- The festivities kicked off on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2026, with 'Kauai Cocktails and Cuisine'.
- The luau honoring King Kaumualii took place on Sunday during the celebration week.
The players
Hawaii Tourism Authority
The state agency that provided primary funding for the Waimea Town Celebration through its Community Enrichment Program.
Kumano I Ke Ala
A nonprofit and social enterprise that empowers West Kauai through native land rehabilitation, food system revitalization, workforce training and youth development. They were named the Ambassador of Aloha during the celebration.
King Kaumualii
The last king of Kauai, who was honored with a luau during the celebration. Kaumualii was born in Wailua at the royal birthing site and is credited for Kauai never being conquered by King Kamehameha.
What they’re saying
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
The takeaway
The Waimea Town Celebration continues to be an important annual event that brings the West Kauai community together, celebrates the region's history and culture, and supports local nonprofits and businesses. After pandemic disruptions, the return of the full celebration is a welcome sign of normalcy and community revival in the area.
