Polynesian Festival
BRINGING ALOHA TO THE PNW!
August 8-9, 2026 ・ 11am-5pm ・ Uwajimaya Renton
12th edition
Polynesian Festival
Join Us for a FREE, Family-Friendly Festival!
Celebrate the rich traditions of the Pacific Islands at Uwajimaya Renton’s Polynesian Festival! This free, family-friendly event features two days of island cuisine, hula, live music, and more—from 11 AM to 5 PM, hosted by emcee Stephen “Braddah” Gomes.
Hana Hou
Sat : 11:10AM
This year “Hana Hou” will sing and play ukulele while serenading us with lovely Hawai’i favorites accompanied by beautiful Hula Dancers. Their presence sets the table for a wonderful event filled with Aloha.
Halua Hula Pulamahiaikalikolehua
SAT : 11:50Am
One of the Pacific Northwest’s original hula schools, this group was founded by Kumu Hula Moodette Keliihoomalu Kaʻapana. Now led by Jaydeen Keliihoomalu Robinson and Melanie Panui in Burien, WA, the halau performs Hawaiian dances honoring the land, people, and stories of Hawaiʻi, accompanied by the musicians of Nā Leo O Hawaiʻi.
Kūpono
SAT : 12:30pm
“Kūpono” with Kermet Apio, Elias Kauhane and Pete Tabali features three O’ahu Braddah’s who love Hawaiian music and love transporting us back to the Islands of Aloha, playing the mele (music) we all love to hear!
Hula O Lehualani
SAT : 1:10PM
Hula O Lehualani of Edmonds Washington is under the direction of Kumu Hula Krista Moanike’alanālehua Espiritu. They are an inclusive halau with emphasis put on aloha/love, respect/ho’ihi and humility/ha’aha’a towards the practice of Hula and Polynesian dance. They will perform Hula that speaks of Hawai’i and the dance of other Islands of Polynesia.
Live Tuna Cutting Demonstration
Sat : 1:50PM
SUN: 2:45PM
Ever seen a giant tuna expertly carved before your eyes? Don’t miss the show—and come hungry for fresh poke and melt-in-your-mouth sashimi!
Haupia Eating Contests
SAT: 1:50PM*
SUN: 2:45pm*
This lighthearted event celebrates the creamy coconut dessert beloved in Hawaiian cuisine. Whether you’re competing or cheering from the sidelines, it’s all about enjoying the sweet taste of tradition and a good time with the community.
*After tuna cutting
Grooveline Hawai’I
Sat : 3:00pm
Get ready for a vibrant set of original Hawaiian Contemporary music with Gil Cabaccang, Joaquin Galiza, Dave Lumlung, and Danny Lumlung. Sing along and experience the aloha spirit through heartfelt melodies and rich harmonies!
Hula Halau ‘O Keala’ākua Naniloa Mana’oakamai
Sat : 3:30pM
Hula Halau ‘O Keala’ākua Naniloa Mana’oakamai is a Tacoma-based hula school led by Kumu Hula Char Kanoelani Galiza, a Merrie Monarch competitor with 30+ years of experience. Welcoming all levels, they share and preserve Hawaiian hula, language, and culture.
Da Odda Guyz
SUN: 11:00AM
Experience the sweet sounds of Hawaiian-inspired music featuring the soulful guitar work of Kermet Apio (guitar, slack key guitar), Kory Tideman (slack key guitar), and Jim Newberry (steel guitar), supported by the rich basslines of Gregg Porter, and the vibrant ukulele stylings of Casey Nakatani and Rod Higuchi.
Ke Liko A’e Lei Lehua Kapuaokalani
SUN : 12:15PM
Ke Liko A’e O Lei Lehua E Kapuaokalani is a Kent-based hula school led by Kumu Kapua Quenga. Rooted in the legacy of Aunty Claire Cortez of Kaua‘i, they share Polynesian traditions through music and dance, with vibrant performances by keiki in both hula and Tahitian styles.
Northwest Blend
SUN : 1:45pm
Northwest Blend is one of the leading bands for Hawaiian Music in the Pacific Northwest. They play some of the most prized and honored Hawaiian music from old time favorites to modern day hits. The voices of band members: Alika Kaeka, Kealoha Keliiwaiwaiole, Tommy Obado and Joey Ignacio will take you back to the Island of Aloha.
Halau O Leihuluonalani
SUN : 2:15pm
Leila Leihuluonalani Fernandez Matthews is Kumu Hula of Halau O Leiuluonalani in Bellevue, with 20+ years of experience. Trained by Kumu Frank Keli‘i of East O‘ahu, her ohana-centered approach to hula emphasizes unity, connection, and community.
Island Bound
SUN : 3:45pm
Island Bound is a 5 piece reggae band formed in 2006 in Tacoma, WA. Their sound blends beautiful harmonious style of roots reggae, lovers’ rock, contemporary pop and rock with Hawaiian references.
Halau Hula Ka Lei Mokihana I Ka Ua Noe
SUN : 4:15pm
Halau Hula Ka Lei Mokihana I Ka Ua Noe stands on the strong Kahu (foundation) of tradition, discipline, respect, unity and Aloha. They’ll feature hula by Keiki (Children) and songs that pay homage to Hawai’i with an emphasis on the Island Kaua’i.
Saturday, August 8
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11:00am | Opening Ceremony
11:15am | Hana Hou
11:50pm | Halau Hula Pulamahiaikalikolehua
12:30pm | Kūpono
1:10pm | Hula O Lehualani
1:50pm | Tuna Cutting Demonstration & Haupia Eating Contest
3:00pm | Grooveline Hawai’I
3:30pm | Hula Halau ‘O Keala’ākua Naniloa Mana’oakamai
Sunday, August 9
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11:00am | Da Odda Guyz
12:15pm | Ke Liko A’e Lei Lehua Kapuaokalani
1:45pm | Northwest Blend
2:15pm | Halau O Leihuluonalani
2:45pm | Tuna Cutting Demonstration & Haupia Eating Contest
3:45pm | Island Bound
4:15pm | Halua Hula Ka Lei Mokihana I Ka Ua Noe
*Schedule subject to change without notice
Location
Polynesian Festival will take place in the parking lot of Uwajimaya Renton. There will also be lots of festivities inside throughout the store!
Navigation
If you’re using transit to arrive, hop off the bus at the South Renton Park & Ride or Sr 515 & South Grady Way stops for the closest drop-offs to our location (and just a 5~10 minute walk left to arrive).
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