8TH TO 13TH SEPTEMBER, 2026 🌬️ 

Celebrate the remarkable maritime heritage of the Motu Koita people at the 2026 Hiri Moale Festival in Port Moresby.

The Hiri Moale Festival commemorates the historic Hiri trading voyages, during which Motuan seafarers travelled west across the Gulf of Papua aboard magnificent multi-hulled sailing canoes known as lagatoi. They carried clay pots and other goods to exchange for sago and canoe logs before making the long journey home.

Their safe return was welcomed with great celebration—giving rise to the name Hiri Moale, reflecting the joy and happiness associated with the homecoming.

Held over six days, the 2026 festival brings this important story to life through cultural performances and displays, traditional cuisine, the Hiri Hanenamo competition, the arrival of the lagatoi, SME markets and community celebrations.

This year’s expanded cultural showcase brings together participants from Motu Koita, Hiri East, Hiri West and Gulf Province, recognising the communities and relationships that formed part of the historic Hiri trading tradition.

Festival Highlights

Visitors can look forward to:

• The ceremonial arrival of the lagatoi
• Motu Koita, Hiri East, Hiri West and Gulf cultural performances
• Traditional arts, attire and cultural displays
• Local cuisine
• The Hiri Hanenamo cultural competition and crowning
• String band entertainment
• Local SME vendors
• Community celebrations at Era Kone and Sir Hubert Murray Stadium

2026 Festival Programme

Tuesday, 8 September

Hiri Hanenamo – First Judging

• Venue: Tutu Beach, Taurama
• Time: 10:00 am–3:00 pm
• Closed event

Wednesday, 9 September

Float Parade and Motorcade

• Route: NCD City Hall to Era Kone, Ela Beach
• Time: 10:00 am–1:00 pm
• Closed event

Thursday, 10 September

Hiri Cultural Showcase: Completing the Story

• Venue: Sir Hubert Murray Stadium
• Time: 10:00 am–5:00 pm
• Open to the public

The Cultural Showcase will feature cultural displays, local cuisine and performances representing Gulf Province, Hiri East, Hiri West and Motu Koita.

Additional attractions include:

• Cultural performances
• String band entertainment
• SME vendors

Friday, 11 September

Sponsors Night and Hiri Hanenamo Second Judging

• Venue: APEC Haus
• Time: 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
• Closed event

Saturday, 12 September

Vanagi | Asi Asi, Heau Lelulu and Arrival of the Lagatoi

• Venue: Era Kone, Ela Beach
• Time: 10:00 am–5:00 pm
• Open to the public

Activities include:

• Ceremonial arrival of the lagatoi
• SME vendors
• String band entertainment

Sunday, 13 September

Hiri Hanenamo Crowning

• Venue: Sir Hubert Murray Stadium
• Time: 10:00 am–5:00 pm
• Open to the public

Activities include:

• Hiri Hanenamo crowning
• Cultural performances
• SME vendors

Experience a Living Maritime Tradition

The Hiri Moale Festival is an opportunity to experience one of Papua New Guinea’s most significant cultural traditions and learn about the courage, skills and relationships that sustained the historic Hiri voyages.

Join the people of Motu Koita, Hiri East, Hiri West and Gulf Province as they honour this enduring story of seafaring, trade, cultural exchange and homecoming.

For further information, email: events@mka.gov.pg