Hawaiian Luau at Fort Langley

The Fort Langley National Historic Site hosts a Hawaiian Luau event each year. It celebrates the history and contributions of Hawaiians in the area.

Last year the event was the Hoʻopili Me Aloha. Connect with Love: A Two-day Celebration of Polynesian and Hawaiian Culture.

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

Hawaiian Luau Event at Fort Langley

The Hawaiian Luau event at Fort Langley 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. Last year they held the event on July 12th and 13th. It might happen around the same time in 2026, or it might in a different month. Exact details are to be confirmed.

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 hot spots 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 a collaboration between the fort and The Spirit of the Pacific Cultural Society.

Dancers at Fort Langley Hawaii Luau

Where and When

The first modern-day Hawaiian Luau event to celebrate the historic relationship between the fort, Hawaii and Hawaiians was in May, 2024. Last year the event took place on July 12th and 13th. When it happens in 2026 was still to be confirmed as of the last time we checked.

Last year, thanks to the Canada Strong Pass, admission was free for everyone throughout the summer. The special festivities were free as well, although there were ticketed workshops on July 12th. In 2026, again thanks to the Canada Strong Pass, general admission to the historic site will be free between June 19th until September 7th.

The workshops last year cost $100 per person and there weren’t many spaces. There were two workshops to choose from, each of which ran from 9:00 am to noon, and again from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. One option was Coconut Hat Weaving with Mario Siatris. The other option was Braided Lei Making with ‘U’i Kahue.

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

The Fort Langley Luau

The luau has different activities going on throughout the event. It’s a showcase of Hawaiian 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, language lessons and live performances. Last year there was also a Native Hawaiian Artisan Market that happened from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Confirmed performers on the first day in 2025 were the Hālau Hula KaʻUhane O Ka Pākīpika (hula dancers) and the Langley Ukulele Ensemble. On the second day, there was storytelling with Auntie Kate and performances by Hālau Hula KaʻUhane and Hui Hula O Saltspring.

Hawaii Luau Performance in Fort Langley