Every summer, the small island of Lāna‘i welcomes thousands of visitors and locals for one of its most anticipated events: the Lāna‘i Pineapple Festival. Set in the heart of Lāna‘i City, this one-day celebration is more than just a fun evening; it’s a tribute to the island’s history, its community, and the legacy of a fruit that shaped its identity.
A Festival Born from Legacy
Lāna‘i was once the world’s largest pineapple plantation, producing up to 75% of the globe’s supply. For decades, the Dole Pineapple Company operated here, employing nearly every resident and defining the rhythm of life on the island. After the plantation closed in the 1990s, the community wanted to preserve that history and honor the generations who worked the land. That’s how the Pineapple Festival began.
What started as a local gathering to celebrate Lāna‘i’s agricultural past has grown into a beloved annual event that now attracts thousands of attendees. Families return year after year, and newcomers often find it’s the most memorable part of their visit.
What to Expect on Festival Day
The festival takes place in Dole Park, right in the center of Lāna‘i City. This year, the event kicks off in the late afternoon on Friday, July 5th, and runs through the evening, ending with a fireworks show that lights up the town.
Roughly 3,000 to 4,000 people attend the event, coming from all over the Hawaiian islands, especially Maui, O‘ahu, and Moloka‘i, as well as visitors staying at Lāna‘i’s luxury resorts. Many plan their trip around the festival, booking early to ensure they’re part of the experience.
The day includes:
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Live music from local artists and bands
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Hula performances and cultural demonstrations
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Pineapple-themed food booths offering everything from fresh-cut fruit to pineapple BBQ
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Craft and vendor stalls with locally made goods
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Keiki activities, games, and rides for kids
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And, of course, a fireworks finale just after sunset
You’ll find longtime residents chatting with first-time visitors, kids with pineapple snow cones, and dancers performing hula just steps from food trucks and artisan tents. The vibe is welcoming and community-driven, but with the polished touch that makes Lāna‘i unique.
Why It’s Worth the Trip
There’s no other festival in Hawai‘i quite like it. Lāna‘i may be small, but the Pineapple Festival offers an experience you won’t find on the larger islands: intimate, historic, and full of personality. Whether you're staying at the Four Seasons, coming over on the ferry from Maui, or flying in for the day, it’s an event that gives you a deeper sense of what makes this island special.
Come for the food, the music, and the fireworks, but leave with a stronger connection to the people and the story of Lāna‘i.
