Visitors looking for an authentic Hawaiian cultural experience on Maui won’t want to miss the Emma Farden Sharpe Hula Festival on Saturday, August 22, 2026.
Held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows in West Maui, this festival celebrates the enduring legacy of renowned kumu hula Emma Farden Sharpe, affectionately known as “Aunty Emma.”
The festival celebrates both hula ʻauana and hula kahiko while offering visitors an opportunity to experience Hawaiian culture in a welcoming community setting. Free activities for keiki, cultural workshops and local artisans add to the day’s festivities.
For families visiting Maui, the festival offers something especially meaningful. Children can participate in cultural activities while parents enjoy the performances and explore the artisan marketplace. It’s a chance to experience hula not simply as entertainment, but as an important part of Hawaiʻi’s history, storytelling and cultural traditions.
The festival also makes a wonderful addition to a West Maui day. Visitors can explore the Kāʻanapali area, enjoy the beaches and local restaurants, and then spend part of the day experiencing one of Maui’s cherished cultural traditions.
If you’re staying in Kihei or South Maui, having a rental car makes the trip to West Maui easy and gives you the freedom to explore along the way.
At Kihei Rent A Car, we love helping visitors discover the experiences that make Maui more than just a beautiful beach destination. From Hawaiian music and hula to local food and community celebrations, there are countless ways to connect with the island.
Add the Emma Farden Sharpe Hula Festival to your Maui itinerary and experience a beautiful celebration of hula, culture and aloha.
