E Komo Mai means “Welcome” in the Hawaiian language, and welcome is exactly the spirit of this day. Each August, Kīkaha O Ke Kai opens the shoreline at Owen Beach to all of Tacoma for a free Hawaiian cultural festival on the waterfront. Hawaiian culture is immersive and sensory, built on relationships with one another and with the land and sea. E Komo Mai is our invitation to experience it firsthand, whether you are part of the Hawaiian diaspora or simply curious about the spirit of aloha.

Presented with support from Tacoma Creates, E Komo Mai brings hula, music, outrigger paddling, and hands-on cultural learning to Point Defiance Park for a day the whole family can enjoy.