Three More Koloa Plantation Days Left — Parade Saturday

Na Kane o Keoneloa — the men of the Hyatt — perform an ancient hula ki`i, not seen for over 100 years until the kumu of this group revived it about four years ago. Here, they take it on the road for the Koloa Plantation Days Parade. Photo by Anne E. O’Malley

There are still three days of Koloa Plantation activities. This year’s theme is Celebrating Kaua`i’s Plantation Roots through the Eyes of Our Keiki.

Friday morning July 27 starts with a watercolor class at Malama Maha`ulepu from 9 a.m. to noon. Call 346-1509 for details.

Also on Friday — attend “Talk Story: Sweet Memories of Old Kōloa,” at Kōloa Union Church, 4:30 p.m. It’s at 3289 Po`ipu Rd. in Koloa. Join the Rev. Niles Kageyama, a retired pastor, as he shares memories of growing up at the plantation camp in old Koloa.

The cultures, food, values and traditions that came together as part of camp life are the foundation of local culture today. During this talk story and slide presentation, Kageyama will take you on a journey back in time.

Click here to watch a video to whet your appetite or call 332-0303 for more information.

Afterwards, head over to Koloa School, within spitting distance, to gather at 5:30 p.m. for the annual Old Kōloa Town Historical Walk. Call 332-5201 for information.

And finally, Friday night caps off with a movie offered by Rotary of Po‘ipū Beach at 8 p.m. Call 652-2136 for information on location and movie title.

Saturday, July 28 is a huge day in the festival. It’s parade day! Pick a spot early as the roads close to traffic. You want to be in place well in advance of the parade start time at 10 a.m. to enjoy the floats, marching units, riders, classic cars and the Pacific Fleet Band

The parade progresses from the Koloa School and Library over to the Anne Knudsen Ball Park for a day of celebration with food, keiki fun, crafts and live, top-notch entertainment. The party rocks until about 5 p.m.; $2 admission. For more information, call 652-3217.

Rest up overnight for the Sunday, July 29 family fun run/walk hosted by the Kukui‘ula Canoe Club. Race fees apply. It starts at 7 a.m. and goes until 10 a.m. Call 635-0165 for more information or click here to read all about it.

Then at 10 a.m., there’s something new in the festival, the Keoki’s Ukes in Paradise Keiki ‘Ukulele Competition at, where else, Keoki’s Paradise! There’s an entry fee of $15 for contestants ranging from kindergarten through 12^th grade, and the fee includes lunch and a T-Shirt for contestants. Lotsa prizes!

Viewers may also wish to have the lunch buffet with a fee of $15. Keoki’s Paradise is located at 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Drive fronting the Poipu Shopping Village in Koloa.

Call 742-7534 for information or click here to read more details.