Hundreds of children and their families spent a day filled with fun at an ocean-themed Ko Olina Children’s Festival. It featured games, activities, food and a screening of “Moana 2” on the grand lawn at the resort’s Ulua Lagoon. The ninth annual festival raised $60,000 for Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children.
This year also marked a milestone. Since the festival began in 2014, it has raised more than $500,000 for Kapiolani. Proceeds will help Kapiolani expand and advance its cancer services for women and children with the future Martha B. Smith Cancer & Infusion Center.
“The Ko Olina Children’s Festival has become a special tradition for our resort and community,” said Sweetie Nelson, director of destination marketing for Ko Olina. “We are honored to support the incredible work of the Kapiolani Medical Center ohana. Our heartfelt thanks go out to our community partners, volunteers, and the families whose presence makes this event both meaningful and fun.”
Inspired by “Moana 2,” this year’s festival was filled with activities that highlighted the importance of our oceans and the environment, including:
- Creating shark-tooth necklaces and learning about marine safety with the state’s Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation and Division of Aquatic Resources.
- Talk-story sessions with Honolulu Ocean Safety lifeguards.
- Coral reef protection lessons from Kuleana Coral Restoration and Fish Pono – Save Our Reefs.
- Learning about water safety and caring for our oceans with Na Kama Kai.
- Booths on sustainability and recycling from Malama Learning Center and Nanakuli High School.
- Ocean-themed face painting, photo booths and customizable keiki ID cards.
Children also danced hula with beloved Disney characters from Aulani’s Ohana Hula Show and grabbed a photo in Disney Studios’ Lilo & Stitch booth. There was live entertainment throughout the day, courtesy of students at the Kapena School of Music and brothers Nyjah Music and Zyah Rhythm from Oahu’s North Shore. Local vendors offered plenty of food options, including poke bowls, smash burgers, hand rolls and kettle corn.
The crowd was also treated to a special preview of the new “Lilo & Stitch,” set to hit theaters on May 23. Local actor Hualalai Chung, who has roles in both “Lilo & Stitch” and “Moana 2,” made a surprise appearance to talk about what it was like being involved in the films.
At sunset, children and their families settled down to watch “Moana 2” on a giant screen.
“Thank you to the Ko Olina Children’s Festival for putting on another magical event,” said Mike Foutch, Kapiolani vice president of hospital operations. “Year after year, the festival is a place where kids can be kids and families can make wonderful memories. We are so grateful to participate in this event and beyond thankful as recipients of your generosity.”
Photo (top): The 2025 Ko Olina Children’s Festival raised $60,000 to support cancer care at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children.
Photo (inset 1): Keiki danced hula with Mickey and Minnie for Aulani’s Ohana Hula Show.
Photo (inset 2): Kids visited booths that taught them about the importance of our oceans and the environment.
Photo (inset 3): At sunset, families watched “Moana 2” on the grand lawn at the resort’s Ulua Lagoon.