Lei Day 2026
Kona Town Night Market · May Day Celebration
Saturday, May 2, 2026 · 1 - 9 PM
BREW · Kailua-Kona
Kona’s Night. Our Culture. One Celebration.
On May 2nd, Kona Town Night Market becomes something more. Not just a market. Not just an event.
A May Day — Lei Day — celebration, where culture, music, food, and community come together under the Kona moon.
In Hawaiʻi, Lei Day honors connection. Lei are symbols of love, respect, and relationship — to people, to place, and to culture. Traditionally, it’s a day of hula, music, lei-making, and shared celebration.
At its heart, it’s simple: connection to each other and to Hawaiʻi.
For one night in Kona, that spirit comes alive.
Come to eat.
Come to shop.
Come to connect.
Stay to celebrate what makes Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi.
The Kona Town Night Market Experience
For one night, BREW transforms into a vibrant ecosystem of:
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Lei-inspired cultural activations
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Makai Mākeke (local vendors & artisans)
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ʻOno food & drink from across the island
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Live music & performances
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Community gathering spaces
The Night Market has always been about supporting local.
On Lei Day, it becomes something bigger:
A space where culture, creativity, and commerce meet — and everyone belongs.
Bringing the soundtrack to the night is Ho’onuʻa — one of Hawaiʻi’s most iconic island reggae groups.
Known for their signature “feel good island music,” the band built their reputation with multiple #1 hits across Hawaiʻi and high-energy performances that blend reggae, R&B, and island soul.
After a long hiatus, they’ve returned with renewed energy — carrying a message rooted in community, connection, and positivity.
Expect:
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Music that moves you
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A crowd that sings with you
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A vibe that defines the night
This isn’t background music.
This is the heartbeat of the event.
EMPRESS 5K
As part of the evening’s lineup, the BLOOM – EMPRESS 5K Wāhine Night Run/Walk brings movement into the celebration.
Starting and finishing at BREW, participants move through Kona at sunset and return to a fully activated Night Market experience.
This wāhine-centered run is:
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A celebration of strength and growth
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A fundraiser supporting local nonprofit Lydia8
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A powerful visual and energetic moment within the night
Participation is optional — but the energy it creates is felt by everyone.
Proceeds Benefit Lydia8 & ʻEwalu Industries
This event is more than a celebration — it’s an investment in Hawaiʻi’s future.
A portion of proceeds supports Lydia8 and ʻEwalu Industries, two organizations working to strengthen community, culture, and opportunity across the islands.
Lydia8 uplifts wāhine through support for creatives, cultural practitioners, and community-driven initiatives — creating space for women to grow, lead, and thrive.
ʻEwalu Industries, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is focused on building economic resilience in Hawaiʻi by developing future leaders, expanding career pathways, and supporting a more diverse, sustainable local economy.
Together, their work reflects the spirit of this event:
community-powered, culture-centered, and built for long-term impact.
By showing up, you’re not just attending — you’re contributing.
