Koloa Plantation Days
2017 Koloa Plantation Days
It's late July here on Kaua'i. School starts up in a couple of weeks, 100,000+ bustling vacationers are on the island and everyone is in fun mode. What to do? Where to go? Where to eat? How to spend precious moments on this paradise island?
You are in luck, because it's Koloa Plantation Days in Old Koloa town and South shore Poipu!
For 30 years the local community and Visitors industry have worked together to make this community event one of the most anticipated on the island. Many visitors actually schedule their vacations here on Kaua'i to coincide with Koloa Plantation Days.
During a 10 day whirlwind of activities and events, thousands of locals and visitors take part in the celebration. You and your family can participates in any or all, (though all could be exhausting!), of these family oriented events of a plantation lifestyle that no longer exists:
It's late July here on Kaua'i. School starts up in a couple of weeks, 100,000+ bustling vacationers are on the island and everyone is in fun mode. What to do? Where to go? Where to eat? How to spend precious moments on this paradise island?
You are in luck, because it's Koloa Plantation Days in Old Koloa town and South shore Poipu!
For 30 years the local community and Visitors industry have worked together to make this community event one of the most anticipated on the island. Many visitors actually schedule their vacations here on Kaua'i to coincide with Koloa Plantation Days.
During a 10 day whirlwind of activities and events, thousands of locals and visitors take part in the celebration. You and your family can participates in any or all, (though all could be exhausting!), of these family oriented events of a plantation lifestyle that no longer exists:
Here's a Partial List of the Fun
- Historic Displays
- Parade
- Rodeos
- Historic Videos
- Hawaiian Games
- Music
- Family Fun Runs
- Guided Trail Walks
- Childrens Games
- Cooking Demonstrations
- Historic Talks
- Mini Golf/Fishing for Keiki (kids)
- Craft Fair
- Japanese Taiko Drums
- Food Trucks
- Beer Garden
- Pony Rides
Phyllis Kunimura, 30 year president of the board for these events stated that the purpose of the Kaua'i Plantation Days is..."to have people understand their history and foundation. It's not just a fun event...You can learn and have fun and take pride, and pass on family values..."
The birth of the sugar industry on Kaua'i shaped the lives of everyone in Hawaii forever. And, though the sugar cane fields and mills in Koloa are empty and idle now, many locals on Kaua'i are former workers or descendants of plantation workers. They came from many lands and cultures and lived a lifestyle we are still connected to.
Floats, decorated vehicles, vintage cars, walking units, Paniolos on horses, Steam engines, Miss Kaua'i USA, The Pacific Fleet Marching Band, Kaua'i members of the Hawaii All Star Marching Band, Resort entries and many more amble down the Main Street to cheers from the crowd lining the street.
Cars decorated in tea leaf and palm fronds and rainbow floral displays... walking units depicting the multicultural plantation life, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Phillipino, Portuguese and more, wearing old-timey plantation garb (some with real red dirt smeared on their aprons). The Grand Hyatt Kaua'i Resort and Spa drove a vegetable cart/truck with Bittermelon, squash, bok choy, gobo, pineapples and mangos.
Kaua'i All Girl Rodeo Association paniolos all dressed in red shirts and riding beautiful spirited horses. The Grove Farm Homestead brings "Paulo" original steam locomotive that is fired up and steaming and whistling along the parade route. That's a sound that echoed throughout the island when cane was hauled by trains to the mills.
This is also the where you'll experience one of the islands largest handmade craft fairs. The "Tsunami" Taiko Drums are a must see and there are many kid activities.
The birth of the sugar industry on Kaua'i shaped the lives of everyone in Hawaii forever. And, though the sugar cane fields and mills in Koloa are empty and idle now, many locals on Kaua'i are former workers or descendants of plantation workers. They came from many lands and cultures and lived a lifestyle we are still connected to.
Activities and Events for the Whole Family
So here is a quick look at some of the events you shouldn't miss.
The Rodeo at CJM ranch Country Stables is fun and exciting for the whole family. Local and statewide contestants rope, ride, and wrangle; horses, cows, bulls. All from a tropical ranch located steps from some of Kaua'i's most beautiful and rugged coastline along the Maha'ulepu Heritage trail. While being entertained by the Paniolo of Hawaii you can eat from local food trucks, have a cold one in the Beer Garden tent and peruse crafts and local handmade jewelry while the Keiki (kids) enjoy the pony rides and tropical shaved ice.
Bring the whole family to the Fun Run boasting 4 different courses and distances designed for any ability.
Walk through the displays of plantation field equipment, clothing, lamps, trains and many other items of every day camp life. Old photos and many other artifacts are assembled and a great source community pride here in Koloa.
Do Not Miss the Parade!
The Plantaion Days Parade is the highlight of the 10 day celebration. More than 60 entries slowly weave their way through old Koloa Town to the delights of locals and visitors alike.Floats, decorated vehicles, vintage cars, walking units, Paniolos on horses, Steam engines, Miss Kaua'i USA, The Pacific Fleet Marching Band, Kaua'i members of the Hawaii All Star Marching Band, Resort entries and many more amble down the Main Street to cheers from the crowd lining the street.
Cars decorated in tea leaf and palm fronds and rainbow floral displays... walking units depicting the multicultural plantation life, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Phillipino, Portuguese and more, wearing old-timey plantation garb (some with real red dirt smeared on their aprons). The Grand Hyatt Kaua'i Resort and Spa drove a vegetable cart/truck with Bittermelon, squash, bok choy, gobo, pineapples and mangos.
Kaua'i All Girl Rodeo Association paniolos all dressed in red shirts and riding beautiful spirited horses. The Grove Farm Homestead brings "Paulo" original steam locomotive that is fired up and steaming and whistling along the parade route. That's a sound that echoed throughout the island when cane was hauled by trains to the mills.
After the Parade There's More!
Now follow the end of the parade over to Knudsen Park for a whole day and night of fun and entertainment. Prepare yourself for hours of food and music as six different bands perform throughout the day.
This is also the where you'll experience one of the islands largest handmade craft fairs. The "Tsunami" Taiko Drums are a must see and there are many kid activities.
Ukes Unleashed!
One of the more interesting events is the Ukulele competition. On a warm evening head over to Keoki's for some good eats and cool beverages and a front seat to the best Uke players on Kaua'i. From young to old you'll be dazzled by players of all ages. (5 years old and up).
So for 10 days in Old Koloa Town you have so many events to choose from that you will literally need a vacation from your vacation when you get back home.
Koloa Plantation Days gets families together for fun and entertainment, but more importantly gets them involved with their heritage.
I know you'll enjoy Koloa Plantation Days, just like we do.....
Aloha, TT
Comments
Post a Comment