The prestigious 17th Annual Kalani Aliʻi Awards will take place on Aug. 24th, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Generations Ballroom at the Japanese Cultural Center. This year’s event will honor a distinguished group of individuals for their remarkable contributions to Hawaiian culture and society.
This year’s esteemed honorees include: 2014 City and County of Honolulu Lei Queen Louise Alina; premier fashion designer Nakeʻu Awai; famed hula dancer Puanani Hayashi; actor, founder of the Hawaiʻi Academy of Recording Arts, and Hawaiʻiʻs “voice” Kimo Kahoʻāno; associate professor and Epigenomic Pathway lead for Native Hawaiian Health Dr. Alika Maunakea; revered hula exponent Pā Mai Tenn; and author, composer and Kumu Hula Kahaʻi Topolinski.
The Kalani Aliʻi Awards are hosted by ʻAha Hīpuʻu, a conglomerate organization representing three Hawaiian Royal Societies: The Royal Order of Kamehameha I, ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu, and Hale o Nā Aliʻi o Hawaiʻi.
The inaugural Kalani Aliʻi Awards coincided with the first annual convention of the Hawaiian Royal Societies in 2006. Over the past 18 years, nearly 100 individuals and organizations have been honored for their significant impact on Hawaiian wellbeing, arts, education, language, and civic leadership.
Past Kalani Aliʻi Award recipients include influential figures such as Nina Kealiʻiwahamana; Mahiʻai Beamer; the Haili Sisters (of Haili’s Hawaiian food); Kumu Sarah Keahi; Dr. Michael Chun; Winona Rubin; and U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka.
In addition, organizations dedicated to benefiting Native Hawaiians, such as ʻAha Pūnana Leo, Kamehameha Schools, and the Royal Hawaiian Band have been recognized with either the Kalani Aliʻi Award or the Order of Kalani Aliʻi – an award reserved for entities with foundational ties to the Hawaiian Kingdom or those established by Hawaiian royalty.
All are welcome to join in celebrating the legacy and impact of Hawaiian excellence at the 17th Annual Kalani Aliʻi Awards!
Those interested in attending the Kalani Aliʻi Awards should contact Kūkahi at 808-945-2977.
