Source: hawaiipacifichealth.org
Dressed up in everything from cowboy hats and boots to bandanas and palaka-print shirts, this year’s paniolo-themed Ko Olina Children’s Festival brought together hundreds of children and their families for a day of fun. The festival, inspired by the upcoming release of “Toy Story 5,” celebrated its 10th anniversary with a major gift to Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children, giving $50,000 for cancer services for Hawaiʻi’s women and keiki.
The festival started in 2014 as a way to support Kapiʻolani, the only full-service women’s and children’s hospital in Hawaiʻi. Since the festival began, it has raised a total of $560,000. This year’s proceeds will go toward the Martha B. Smith Cancer & Infusion Center, which is currently under construction at Kapiʻolani. Once complete, the center will advance and expand Kapiʻolani’s specialized cancer services in a new, spacious area.
“The Ko Olina Children’s Festival has always been about bringing families together while giving back to Kapiʻolani in a meaningful way,” said Sweetie Nelson, Ko Olina director of destination marketing. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see how this festival has grown from a simple community gathering into something that truly unites people from across the islands. Every smile, every family memory, and every act of support is a reminder of the power of community and what we can accomplish when we come together for Hawaiʻi’s keiki.”
“The impact that Ko Olina Children’s Festival has had on Kapiʻolani over the years has been tremendous,” said Terence Young, Kapiʻolani CEO. “We are so thankful for everyone who makes this festival happen every year, creating a day where kids can be kids and have fun. We are fortunate to have dedicated supporters in Ko Olina and all of its resort partners who empower Kapiʻolani and the lifesaving services we provide.”
The 2026 festival featured many hands-on, interactive experiences and activities from local businesses and organizations.
- Keiki were treated to a country-style farm experience with Colton Farms and its llamas, sheep, and goats.
- Nalo Keiki Paniolo and Paʻani Ranch provided horse and pony rides.
- Kapolei’s Island Pacific Academy and Seagull Schools Ko Olina offered paniolo-inspired arts and crafts.
- With May being National Stroke Awareness Month, Kapiʻolani’s team taught kids how to spot signs of a stroke with the help of a Toy Story friend, Mr. Potato Head.
For the family that owns Pa'ʻāina Ranch, which provided horse and pony rides for the kids, supporting the festival is personal. 10 years ago, the same year the first festival was held, one of Donald and Charlene Pascual’s grandsons was born prematurely at Kapiʻolani and needed to be cared for in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
“Ten years ago, we were at Kapiʻolani while Makoa was born at 25 weeks old and very small, about 1 pound and 10 ounces and a little over 11 inches,” said Stephanie Pascual, Makoa’s aunt. “It was difficult watching that. That was the first time we ever experienced something like that in our life. We just want to give back as much as Kapiʻolani gave to us.”
The Pascuals say Makoa is their miracle baby, and they were inspired to express their gratitude. In honor of Makoa’s incredible care at Kapiʻolani, Paʻani Ranch and Ale Ale O Ke Aloha donated $2,000 at the festival for the medical center.
Local musicians provided live entertainment throughout the afternoon. Kamahaʻo Haumea-Thronas, a 16-year-old Kamehameha Schools Kapālama student and musician known for his falsetto singing, performed a setlist of traditional Hawaiian songs. Kalaʻe Parish and Kalenaku, a Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning husband-and-wife duo, put on a show filled with country and original hits.
Several fan-favorite booths returned, including face painting, a photo booth, and a station where kids could create their own ID cards. There was also a wide selection of popular food vendors offering everything from plate lunches and smash burgers to sushi, ice cream, lemonade, and more. Later in the afternoon, kids gathered around the stage for a Ko Olina Children’s Festival tradition – Aulani’s ʻOhana Hula Show. This year’s special guests were beloved chipmunks Chip ‘n’ Dale.
At sunset, children and their families settled down on the lawn for a screening of the original “Toy Story,” which came out in 1995.