ʻIkuwā Festival 2026

The ʻIkuwā Festival 2026, to be held on Sunday, October 18, at ʻImiloa Center on the UH Hilo campus, is a dynamic one-day event celebrating the interconnectedness of land, sea, and sky. This festival continues the celebration of ʻImiloa’s 20th anniversary of serving the general public, highlighting two decades of commitment to inspiring curiosity, honoring ʻike kūpuna, and fostering meaningful connections between science, Hawaiian culture, and community.

In partnership with ʻOhana Waʻa and a broad range of community partners and organizations, the festival offers immersive, place-based experiences for the community, including:

• Educational hands-on learning with expert voyaging crew members from the ʻOhana Waʻa community, providing insights into traditional navigation techniques and seafaring heritage.
• Participation in oli (chant) and hula led by local cultural practitioners and kumu hula, offering opportunities to engage in cultural traditions and experience the power of Hawaiian storytelling.
• Make-and-take activities and crafts centered on place-based sciences, connecting participants with the earth, sea, and sky through interactive learning experiences.
• Activities with non-profit organizations focused on conservation and restoration of Hawaiʻi’s natural environment and endemic species, empowering attendees to take action in environmental stewardship.
• Live performances and presentations uplifting ʻike (knowledge), ʻōlelo (language), and moʻomeheu Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian culture), showcasing the richness and resilience of indigenous Hawaiian heritage.

Through these community engagement opportunities, the ʻIkuwā Festival honors ʻImiloa’s legacy over the past 20 years while looking forward, deepening connections among attendees, fostering environmental consciousness, and celebrating the vibrant cultural traditions of Hawaiʻi for generations to come.