The Fort Langley National Historic Site hosts a Hawaiian Luau event in the spring. It celebrates the history and contributions of Hawaiians in the area.
Did you know that Hawaiian labourers worked at Fort Langley beginning in the early 1880s? The first modern-day Hawaiian Luau event to celebrate the relationship between the fort, Hawaii and Hawaiians was in May 2024.
The event will likely happen around the same time again in 2025 (although exact details are to be confirmed.)
Hawaiian Luau Event at Fort Langley
The new Hawaiian Luau event at Fort Langley gives the chance for those in attendance to experience Hawaiian culture. The inaugural luau was held on May 18th in 2024 (which was the Saturday of the Victoria Day Long Weekend).
The history of Hawaiian immigrants in BC is generally not as well-known as other groups. Thousands of Hawaiians made their way to the West Coast in the 19th century, most of them to work for the Hudson Bay Company. During that time the Gulf Islands became known as “Little Hawaii” for how many of the newcomers lived there.
One of the other hotspots was Fort Langley. Two Hawaiians were in the original Hudson Bay Company group sent to establish the fort. Many Hawaiians worked there during the fur trade.
Today, the Hawaiian-Canadian community celebrates their roots and their part in the history of BC with a luau event at the fort. There are educational presentations, public workshops and traditional dancing.
Where and When
The first Hawaiian Luau experience took place on May 18th, 2024. The event ran from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Fort Langley National Historic Site.
There was no extra fee for the event. It was included with general admission to the fort which is $9 for adults and free for youth under the age of 18. The event was a collaboration between the fort and The Spirit of the Pacific Cultural Society.
Whether or not this event returns in 2025 is to be confirmed. Hopefully it does!
The Fort Langley Luau in 2024
The 2024 luau had different activities going on throughout the seven hours the event took place. It wasn’t all just food and dancing!
The event was a showcase of Hawaiian culture and the chance for visitors to learn about both the history of the area and the Hawaiian community.
The schedule of events for 2024 is listed below. Future years may be similar if and when the luau takes place again.
- 11:00 am – Cooperage talk about salmon exports from Fort Langley to Hawaii
- 12:00 pm – Fort 101 introduction at the Big House
- 1:00 pm – Hawaiian workers at the fort presentation
- 2:00 pm – Dance performance by Spirit of the Pacific
- 3:00 pm – Blacksmithing demo featuring Maui hooks
Other Information
For more details about the 2024 event, visit the Hawaiian Luau Facebook page. For information about other events at the historic attraction, see the Fort Langley website.
To learn about the other events that are held at the fort check out our article on the Fort Langley National Historic Site.
Other articles that might be of interest include the following:
- The Town of Fort Langley
- Festivals and Events in the Lower Mainland
- Metro Vancouver History and Culture
