Makahiki Festival

Makahiki Season Is Here! The Makahiki Festival is a day of ceremony, celebration, friendly competition, and culture. Featuring the Te Moana Nui Games, a traditional Polynesian sports competition, along with local vendors and live music. Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2026 Time: 9 AM - 4:30 PM Tickets: $5 for all Kamaaina ages 4 and over | $10 for general In celebration of Veterans Day, all active and retired military can enjoy FREE admission to the Valley and event. Food Drive - Free Entry Waimea Valley has partnered with the Hawaiʻi Foodbank for this year’s Makahiki Festival to support our local community and help address food insecurity. Guests who make a minimum donation of $5 will receive FREE admission to the Makahiki Festival! Every donation makes a difference. Mahalo for helping us give back to our community! Donate here: Hiʻipaka LLC – Waimea Valley is raising funds for Hawaiʻi Foodbank Event Schedule: 9am - Opening Ceremony at Heiau by Entrance Parking lot 10am - Coconut Tree Race at the Main Lawn 11 :30am - Fruit Carrying Race begins at Hale Hoʻike, ends at Upper Medow 12:30pm - Lunch Break 1:30pm - Stone Lifting 2:30pm - Hawaiian Makahiki Demonstration 3:30pm - Tahiti Mana performance and Award ceremony in the Amphitheater 4:30pm End Hawaiian Games for Keiki Location: Upper Meadow Competition Games — Time TBD Contestants must register on-site and sign waivers before participating. Kōnane: 16 teen contestants (ages 13–17) Kūkini: 16 keiki contestants (ages 5–12) Free-Play Games — 10:00 AM to Closing ʻUlu Maika Moa Paheʻe Lūlū Panapana Hua Kūkini Hei Pā Uma Kīolaolalena Kukui Hū Prizes Kōnane — 1st Place: Travel-sized kōnane kapa board with pouch and game pieces Kūkini — 1st Place: Kapa manu lupe (kite) All Competition Participants: A kukui hū to take home