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.

In 2025 the event is the Hoʻopili Me Aloha. Connect with Love: A Two-day Celebration of Polynesian and Hawaiian Culture. It happens on the weekend of July 12th and 13th.

For details about the two-day celebration of Polynesian and Hawaiian culture in 2025, see the Fort Langley National Historic Site‘s website.

Hawaiian Luau Event at Fort Langley in 2025

The Hawaiian Luau event at Fort Langley gives the chance for those in attendance to experience Hawaiian and Polynesian culture. The inaugural event was held in May 2024 on the Saturday of the Victoria Day Long Weekend. In 2025 the event is on July 12th and 13th. It’s a collaboration between the fort and The Spirit of the Pacific Cultural Society.

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.

Dancers at Fort Langley Hawaii Luau

Where and When in 2025

The first modern-day Hawaiian Luau event to celebrate the historic relationship between the fort, Hawaii and Hawaiians was last year in May. In 2025 the event takes place on July 12th and 13th.

This year, 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 12th that require payment.

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

For details about the two-day celebration of Polynesian and Hawaiian culture in 2025, see the Fort Langley National Historic Site‘s website.

The Fort Langley Luau

The 2025 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. This year there’s also a Native Hawaiian Artisan Market happening from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.

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

Hawaii Luau Performance in Fort Langley