Kauaʻi Historical Society hosts muʻumuʻu pāʻina luncheon in Wailua

The Kauaʻi Historical Society will present its 2026 Annual Muʻumuʻu Pāʻina Luncheon on Saturday, January 31, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Smith’s Tropical Paradise Garden in Wailua. The event is billed as a celebration of Hawaiian fashion, culture and community, produced in collaboration with Native Hawaiian brand Manuhealiʻi. Ticket purchases will support the society’s mission to preserve and promote Kauaʻi history.

Attendees can expect a full luncheon buffet, live Hawaiian music, a curated silent auction, and handcrafted pūpū jewelry from ʻOhana Niʻihau. The combination of food, entertainment and artisan goods is designed to showcase local talent and traditions while raising funds for the historical society’s exhibits, education programs and preservation work.

For residents and visitors alike, the luncheon is more than a social event. Community fundraisers provide predictable, earned revenue for small nonprofits whose budgets often depend on a mix of grants, donations and event income. In Kauaʻi’s island economy, where tourism and hospitality dominate employment, cultural events that draw both locals and visitors create spillover demand for caterers, musicians, transportation providers and small-scale artisans. Featuring a Native Hawaiian brand and Niʻihau-made jewelry also channels spending toward the local creative economy, supporting artists who rely on seasonal sales opportunities.

The choice of Smith’s Tropical Paradise Garden in Wailua situates the luncheon within a well-known visitor attraction, which can increase visibility for the society and its programs. For local businesses, increased foot traffic around such events can mean short-term boosts in retail and dining receipts. For nonprofit leaders, successful ticket sales and a lively silent auction can represent an important portion of annual operating funds, enabling exhibit maintenance, oral history projects and community outreach.

Logistics are straightforward: the luncheon runs five hours, giving guests time to enjoy the grounds and performances. Tickets are available online, and table sponsorship inquiries can be sent to info@kauaihistoricalsociety.org. With the event just under two weeks away, organizers will be finalizing seating, menu and auction items while promoting cultural programming to ensure broad community participation.

As Kauaʻi balances year-round tourism with efforts to sustain local culture, events like the Muʻumuʻu Pāʻina Luncheon serve a dual purpose: they preserve and showcase Hawaiian traditions while generating needed revenue for preservation work. Residents who value cultural continuity and direct support for local artisans can attend, sponsor a table or bid in the auction to help keep Kauaʻi’s stories and craftsmanship thriving.