Since its inception in 1988, Eo e Emalani I Alaka’i (also called the Emalani Festival) has quietly become one of the most authentic and powerful Hawaiian cultural experiences in the State. Each year,kumu hula (hula masters) and their dancers help to create an event that has touched thousands, many of whom return annually to participate.

The outdoor event, held annually on the second Saturday in October, The Emalani Festival commemorates the 1871 journey of Hawaii’s beloved Queen Emma to these upland forests. By focusing each year on a diferent aspect of the Queen’s inspiring legacy as a humanitarian leader, the Emalani Festival affords participants and audience an opportunity to reflect on values of a great leader who took the land to heart.

Live Hawaiian music, along with historical displays, begin at 10 am and at 12 noon, “Queen Emma” enters Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow on horseback, led by her guide Kaluahi, represented by a local cowboy. Offering of dance are made by hula halau from across Hawaii. Hula groups from Europe and Japan have also jouneyed to Kauai to participate.