This One-Of-A-Kind Festival Pays Homage To Washington’s Little Known Polynesian Past

It's exciting to see the Evergreen State coming back to life, with festivals and events back on our calendars for the summer and beyond. And while it might be awhile before you're comfortable in a crowd, we're pleased to report that there are all kinds of wonderful small town festivities happening this year that are a great way to get re-adjusted and have some fun in the process.

To those who aren't aware, the annual Kalama Heritage Festival is returning this August for its 10th celebration. And if you're unaware of the Hawaiian history of this town, add it to your calendar this year and check it out.

Kalama is a small city in Cowlitz County you've probably passed on I-5 South many times without realizing it, at least if you've taken the most direct route from Seattle to Portland.

While there's admittedly not much to it these days, Kalama is home to a beautiful Polynesian-themed resort called the Kalama Harbor Lodge, a McMenamins property. And it's no accident that the lodge has that theme.

Washington, especially the Kalama area, has a large population of Polynesian and Hawaiian families.

During the first half of the 1800s, large numbers of native Hawaiians came to this region to work as ship deckhands and fur trade brigades. John Kalama, who was Hawaiian, arrived in what is now Kalama in 1837 to act as a middleman between local Cowlitz Tribe and the Hudson Bay Company.

This year's Kalama Heritage Festival will be its 10th.

Unfortunately, last year's festival was canceled for obvious reasons, but this year's promises to be better than ever.

This festival was created to bring the history of Washington, its native tribes, and the traditions of the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii together.

Guests can enjoy traditional Hawaiian musical performers, local Native and Hawaiian bands, and so many fun activities and events.

Of course, no Hawaiian festival would be complete without a luau.

If you plan to attend, make sure to come hungry.

The annual Kalama Heritage Festival is always popular, both with our locals and visitors from all over the country.

The last festival was in 2019, and over 5,000 people attended.

Doesn't this sound like a blast? This year's festival dates are August 7th and 8th. Keep up-to-date on plans here. And while you're at it, book yourself a stay at the Kalama Harbor Lodge.