Hawaiian Luau at Fort Langley

The Fort Langley National Historic Site hosts an event that celebrates the history, culture and contributions of Hawaiians and Polynesians in the area.

The event has had a couple of different names in the past. In 2026 it’s the “Hoʻopili me ke Aloha” and it takes place on July 11th and 12th. In its first year it was called the “Hawaiian Luau”.

TIP: In the summer of 2026, admission to Fort Langley is free thanks to the Canada Strong Pass.

See the Fort Langley National Historic Site‘s website for details about the two-day celebration of Polynesian and Hawaiian culture.

Hoʻopili me ke Aloha at Fort Langley

Fort Langley’s and Polynesian event gives attendees the opportunity to experience Hawaiian and Polynesian culture. Organizers held the inaugural event in May 2024 on the Saturday of the Victoria Day Long Weekend. The event has since taken place in the summer each year.

The history of Hawaiian and other Polynesian 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 hot spots for Polynesian immigration 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 its roots and its part in the history of BC with a luau event at the fort. There are educational presentations, public workshops and traditional dancing. The Hawaiian Luau event is a collaboration between the fort and The Spirit of the Pacific Cultural Society.

Dancers at Fort Langley Hawaii Luau

Where and When

In 2026 Hoʻopili me ke Aloha takes place on the Saturday and Sunday of July 11th and 12th.

Thanks to the Canada Strong Pass, admission is free for everyone throughout the summer. The special festivities are free as well, although there are ticketed workshops on July 11th.

The craft workshops this year cost $100 per person and run from 9:00 am to noon, and again from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the Fort National Langley Historic Site. On the same day, the dance workshops cost $45 each and run a few blocks away from the historic site, at 9181 Church Street.

See the Fort Langley National Historic Site‘s website for details about the two-day celebration of Polynesian and Hawaiian culture.

The Fort Langley Polynesian Event

The Hoʻopili me ke Aloha features different activities going on throughout the event. It’s a showcase of Hawaiian and Polynesian culture and a chance for visitors to learn about both the history of the area and the Hawaiian community. Expect to see demonstrations, storytelling sessions and live performances. This year there is also a Native Hawaiian and Polynesian Artisan Market happening from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on both days.

Hawaii Luau Performance in Fort Langley