Moloka‘i Kamehameha Celebration
E Kū, E Ho‘ololi • Stand Up, Transform
Theme
History
The Gala
Entertainment
Culinary Experience
Free Ho‘olaule‘a
Resources
Poi Workshop
Red Carpet
Event Shirts
Sponsors
VIEW THE RED CARPET PHOTOS
2026 Theme
E Kū, E Ho‘ololi
Stand Up, Transform
Why the ʻŌhiʻa Lehua?
For the 2026 King's Gala, the ʻōhiʻa lehua was chosen as the centerpiece of our design because it is the ultimate natural embodiment of this year's theme: "E kū, e hoʻololi" (Stand upright and change conditions).
The ʻōhiʻa is a celebrated pioneer species, famously the first plant to take root on barren, freshly hardened lava flows. It literally stands upright against the harshest, most unforgiving elements. As it grows, it profoundly changes its environment—breaking down solid rock and creating the fertile soil needed for an entire ecosystem to follow. It transforms a desolate landscape into a thriving, life-giving forest.
Just as the resilient ʻōhiʻa transforms the ʻāina, King Kamehameha I stood resolute during times of great strife, shifting the tides of history to forge a unified path forward. By rendering this sacred blossom in radiant gold, we honor his legacy and celebrate the strength within us all to stand firm in our values and transform our world for the better.
Honoring the Legacy
On December 22, 1871, King Kamehameha V proclaimed a national holiday to honor and celebrate his grandfather and the father of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Originally, the people of Hawai‘i wanted to mark the legacy of Lot Kapūaiwa (Kamehameha V) on his birthday, December 11.
Being the humble chief that he was, he opted to honor his grandfather instead and pushed the holiday as far away from his own birthday as possible, hence the arbitrary date of June 11.
Thus, June 11, 1872, was the very first Kamehameha Day holiday ever celebrated.
Island of Molokaʻi Commissioner: Leināʻala Lopez
The King's Gala
Friday, June 12, 2026 | Molokai Yacht Club | 6:30 PM
Experience Moloka‘i’s premier high-end event. Set oceanfront at the Molokai Yacht Club, this exclusive, all-inclusive evening celebrates the legacy of King Kamehameha I in absolute elegance.
Every All-Inclusive Pass Includes:
- Full Buffet Dinner & Fresh Oysters Hawaii
- All Drinks provided by char's bar
- Dedicated table-side waitress service
- Access to all world-class live entertainment
- Mesmerizing performances by Award-Winning Hālau Hula
A heartfelt mahalo to everyone who joined us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the legacy of King Kamehameha I.
World-Class Entertainment
A Premium Culinary Experience
Char's Bar
Elevating the evening with exceptional, handcrafted beverages. Enjoy an all-inclusive selection of drinks perfectly poured by the incredible team at Char's Bar.
Discover Char's Bar
Oysters Hawaii
Indulge in a luxury raw bar experience. Oysters Hawaii will be on-site expertly shucking the freshest, highest-quality oysters to start your evening in style.
Discover Oysters HawaiiFree Community Ho‘olaule‘a
SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2026 | MOLOKAI YACHT CLUB | 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i ‘oe? ‘Ae! Hiki Nō!
The celebration continued the following evening at the Molokai Yacht Club with our free community Ho‘olaule‘a. Mahalo to the many ‘ohana who joined us for incredible local food, craft and cultural vendors, immersive workshops, live entertainment, and a beautiful gathering of our island community.
Ultimate Flight Giveaway Winner
Congratulations to Lana Apuna, winner of two round-trip airline tickets!
Mahalo to everyone who entered:
- Thank you to all who joined us and completed the event survey at the Ho‘olaule‘a.
- Your participation made this celebration unforgettable.
Generously sponsored by Hawaiian Airlines.
Community Recovery & Relief Resources
Meet with these agencies on-site at the Ho‘olaule‘a — get help, ask questions, and connect. Tap any agency to visit their website.
FEMA
Federal Emergency Management Agency
SBA
U.S. Small Business Administration
OHA
Office of Hawaiian Affairs
OOR
County of Maui Office of Recovery
GEM
Global Empowerment Mission
HRWA
Hawai‘i Rural Water Association
WAI
Wastewater Alternatives & Innovations
MCDC
Mokupuni Community Development Corporation
Headline Entertainment
With Special Performances By Award-Winning Hālau Hula
Gregory Juan
5-Time Nā Hōkū Winner
& GRAMMY® Nominee
Born and raised on Maui, Gregory is deeply rooted in hula and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. His debut album "Kauluwehi" won Hawaiian EP of the Year at the 2025 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards. Catch him performing his new hit single, "Kaimuki Hula"!
Visit Website
Ei Nei
Most Promising Artist
Nā Hōkū Hanohano
A celebrated trio featuring Dane Fujiwara, Grant Kono, and Ekolu Chang. Known for their smooth vocal blend and warm harmonies, their newest release "Ei Nei, Look At Us" honors their roots while expanding their modern Hawaiian vision.
Visit WebsiteFeatured Craft & Food Vendors
Jus Shave Ice LLC & Jus Ono Grindz
Simple Kine Stitches By Candy Pedro
MKKreation & Bradda Pops
Kekoa Butters
Pūpū o Molokai
Da Bomb Grindz
Badass Grinds
Moloka’i Lauhala
N8V Built
Kuʻulei ʻĀnoni
M.R. Variety
Free Poi Pounding Workshop
A Hands-On Cultural Experience
Keiki learn how to pound poi at the Ho’olaule’a 2025. Photo by Léo Azambuja
During the Ho‘olaule‘a, join us for a free, hands-on poi pounding workshop. Learn the traditional art of kuʻi kalo — pounding cooked kalo (taro) into poi using the papa kuʻi ʻai (wooden board) and pohaku kuʻi ʻai (stone pounder) — a practice that has nourished Hawaiian families for generations.
This workshop is generously hosted by Ahupuaʻa ʻO Hālawa, a Molokaʻi-based organization revitalizing Native Hawaiian culture and ecosystems through loʻi kalo restoration and habitat preservation.
“Our mission is to foster community stewardship and promote environmental sustainability by reconnecting people with the land and traditions of Hawaiʻi.”
Red Carpet Gallery
The King's Gala 2026
Relive the magic of the evening. View the official red carpet photos from The King's Gala, captured by Local Moments by Kaulana.
View the Red Carpet Photos The King's Gala 2026 • Photos by Local Moments by Kaulana Open GalleryOfficial Event Shirts
Wear the 2026 Theme
Take home a piece of the celebration. Our official E Kū, E Ho‘ololi event shirt features this year's ʻōhiʻa lehua design in radiant gold, honoring the legacy of King Kamehameha I.
- Official 2026 Moloka‘i Kamehameha Celebration design
- Featuring the sacred ʻōhiʻa lehua in gold
- Soft, breathable Dri-Fit mesh, great for the islands
- Printed by Bujified Hawai‘i
$25 – $35 Preorder Now
Buy Event ShirtsNon-Profit Partner
‘Aha Kukui O Moloka‘i
Proudly Collaborating with Ho‘omōhala O Moloka‘i Foundation
Ali‘i Sponsorship
Kamehameha Sponsorship
Spencer Bus Service
Friends of MKC
