Mahalo to our sponsors
Join us on July 11 & 12 at the Fort Langley National Historic Site for British Columbia’s premier celebration of Polynesian culture. After a record-breaking year of growth, Hoʻopili Me Ke Aloha (HMA) returns for 2026 to transform these historic grounds into a vibrant hub of music, dance, and ancestral storytelling.
HMA 2026 is a free-to-enter community festival dedicated to honoring the deep, historical ties between the Kānaka Maoli (Hawaiian) people and the Pacific Northwest. Whether you are here to learn, to shop, or to dance, there is a place for you in our 'ohana.
Day 1 (July 11) - Education, Connection & Ancestral Art
Day 2 (July 12) - Celebration & Community Hōʻike (Performance)
Weekend Staples:
Indigenous Art Performances: Experience the power of the Pacific through a diverse lineup of professional and community dance showcases, featuring the 26-year legacy of our own Hālau and Tahitian school.
Indigenous Peoples Market: Support local! Browse a curated selection of authentic Indigenous art, jewelry, and hand-crafted goods from over 20+ local vendors and artisans.
Keiki Zone: A dedicated space for our youngest wayfinders, featuring hands-on Polynesian crafts, traditional stamping, and cultural book readings.
Day 1 - Education
Saturday is dedicated to the "Living Classroom." This is the day for those who want to go beyond the surface and immerse themselves in the "why" and "how" of our traditions.
Cultural & Dance Workshops: Dive deep into tradition with masterclasses in Hula and Tahitian dance, or try your hand at 'Ulana Lau Niu (coconut leaf weaving) and Lei Wili (lei making) led by master artisans from Maui.
JULY 11 - 9:00 AM - Ulana Lau Niu Workshop (Coconut Leaf Weaving)
JULY 11 - 9:00 AM - Lei Wili Workshop (Flower Lei Making)
JULY 11 - 9:30 AM - Hula Workshop (All Levels)
JULY 11 - 1:00 PM - Tahitian Basics Workshop (All Levels)
JULY 11 - 1:00 PM - Ulana Lau Niu Workshop (Coconut Leaf Weaving)
JULY 11 - 1:00 PM - Lei Wili Workshop (Flower Lei Making)
The Storytelling Stage: Join free educational sessions and panels exploring Polynesian identity in the diaspora, the reduction of cultural stereotypes, and the "little-known" history of the Hawaiian Kanakas in early BC.
Full schedule coming soon.
Day 2 - Celebration
Sunday is our day of "Hoʻopili"—bringing everyone together to celebrate the heartbeat of the Pacific through movement and music.
Main Stage Showcases: Experience the power of the Pacific with a full schedule of music and dance performances, including performances from:
Hālau Hula KaʻUhane O Ka Pākīpika
Te Varua O Moana Nui A Hiva
Hui Hula O Saltspring
Workshop Showcase: We invite our Day 1 students back to the stage for a special presentation of growth and heritage! Witness a beautiful display of artistry as our weaving participants showcase the pāpale and lei poʻo created in Saturday’s masterclasses. They will be joined by our Hula and Tahitian workshop students, who will take the stage to share the vibrant choreography and rhythms they mastered during their sessions. Join us as we celebrate their journey of learning!
Free Interactive Demos: Want to try it yourself? Join us for free "pop-up" dance lessons and interactive crafting demos throughout the day—no experience required!
Join the legacy of BC’s fastest-growing Polynesian festival.
Our Story: A Legacy of Aloha in the Pacific Northwest
Hoʻopili Me Ke Aloha (HMA) is more than just a festival; it is a homecoming.
Founded by The Spirit of the Pacific Cultural Society, our roots trace back 26 years to a vision of cultural preservation started by our founder. Today, that legacy continues under the leadership of her niece, a second-generation Poʻo (Head Teacher) and mother, who is dedicated to ensuring that the vibrant traditions of Hawaiʻi and the Polynesian diaspora are not just remembered, but lived.
The Fort Langley Connection
We gather at the Fort Langley National Historic Site because it is sacred ground for our history. In the 1800s, hundreds of Hawaiians (Kanakas) lived and worked here, building the very foundations of British Columbia. HMA exists to honor those "little-known" historical ties, turning a historic fort into a living, breathing classroom where ancestral knowledge meets modern community.
Why We Grow
What began as a gathering of 700 people has exploded into a premier cultural event, drawing over 1,800 attendees in 2025. This 157% growth proves one thing: our community is hungry for authenticity, connection, and the spirit of Aloha.
Our Kuleana (Responsibility)
We believe that culture should be accessible to everyone. By keeping our festival free to the public, we ensure that every family—regardless of their background or means—can experience the power of a Hula drum, the intricate beauty of a hand-woven lei, and the vital stories of our indigenous history.
By partnering with us, you aren't just a sponsor. You are an essential part of the 'Ohana, helping us bridge the gap between our past and the legacy we are building for the next generation.
