Hawaiian History Month is an annual invitation to honor Queen Liliʻuokalani, celebrate the rich history of Hawaiʻi and its Indigenous people, and deepen our understanding of the people, places, and events that continue to shape these islands.
As communities across the pae ʻāina come together each September for a month of special events, we invite everyone in Hawaiʻi – and around the world – to continue learning, sharing, and celebrating Hawaiian history throughout the year. This year’s celebration features concerts, living history performances, walking tours, panel discussions, student documentaries, cultural demonstrations, and educational programs that bring Hawaiʻi’s history to life.
Whether you are able to join us in person or participate through livestreamed events, each experience is an opportunity to remember the resilience of our kūpuna, honor the strength of our Kānaka ‘Ōiwi and our lāhui, and celebrate the living traditions that continue to guide Hawai‘i today.
More than a series of events, Hawaiian History Month is an ‘aha: a collection of experiences and gatherings that heal and strengthen our aloha for one another and for this beloved place, connecting past, present, and future.
It reminds us that we all share a collective kuleana to aloha our ‘āina, preserve our culture, respect the rights of Native Hawaiians, and perpetuate EA so that future generations inherit a thriving Hawai‘i. May the aloha we experience throughout this month inspire each of us to live our EA every day.
To explore the full calendar of events, register for programs, access livestreams, discover educational resources, and find ways to celebrate Hawaiian History Month throughout the year visit hawaiianhistorymonth.org.
And follow us on social media for event updates, historical stories, and opportunities to stay connected with the growing Hawaiian History Month movement.
E hoʻomanaʻo. E aʻo. E hoʻolauleʻa. E ola ke ea. Remember. Learn. Celebrate. May our ea continue to live.
ACT 167 (2025) Relating to Hawaiian History Month
Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Hawaiʻi:
SECTION 1.
The legislature finds that in the month of September, Queen Lili‘uokalani’s birth, life, and legacy is remembered and celebrated in the Hawaiian community, including at churches and Hawaiian organizations, such as Kawaiaha‘o Church’s Ali‘i Sunday, the Lili‘uokalani Trust Kīpuka (children centers), and the Kamehameha Schools.
The legislature further finds that the Hawai‘i Pono‘ī Coalition was formed in 2007 to educate residents and visitors to the islands on Hawai‘i’s history, the Native Hawaiian people, and the culture that makes Hawai‘i a place like no other. In September 2007, the Coalition launched a commemorative event on the grounds of ‘Iolani Palace to celebrate the birthday of Queen Lili‘uokalani.
The legislature concludes that designating September as Hawaiian History Month would be an appropriate way to honor Queen Lili‘uokalani and recognize the contributions of the Native Hawaiian community, while also providing community building, educational, and economic opportunities.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to designate September as Hawaiian History Month.
SECTION 2.
Chapter 8, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
“§8- Hawaiian History Month. The month of September shall be known and designated as “Hawaiian History Month” to promote public awareness of Hawai‘i’s history, honor Queen Liliuokalani, and recognize the contributions of the Native Hawaiian community. This month is not and shall not be construed as a state holiday.”
Approved Junes 3, 2025
Hawaiian History Month Events
To register for these events, go to hawaiianhistorymonth.org
| Eō E Liliʻu Concert August 30, 4:00 p.m. Kawaiahaʻo Church | Honolulu, O‘ahuBegin Hawaiian History Month with Eō E Liliʻu, a community concert celebrating the timeless compositions of Queen Liliʻuokalani arranged by renowned Hawaiian music educator Dorothy Kahananui Gillette in The Queen’s Song Book. This free event features community choirs, Hawaiian music ensembles, and hālau hula and honors the queen’s enduring musical legacy through the shared experience of mele. |
Hawai‘i Historic Day Student Documentary Video Showcase September 12, 10:30 a.m. King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center, 417 S King St. Honolulu, O‘ahu Discover Hawai‘i’s history through the eyes of the next generation at the Hawai‘i History Day Student Documentary Showcase. Student-produced films explore topics including The Queen’s Health Systems, Hansen’s disease (leprosy) in Hawai‘i, the Kalima Lawsuit, sugar plantation labor, the introduction of the telephone to Hawai‘i, and the enduring practice of lā‘au lapa‘au, followed by a discussion with the student filmmakers. |
| Hauʻoli Lā Hānau e Liliʻuokalani teach-in and sing-along with Native Hawaiian leaders and students September 2, 12:00 noon ʻIolani Palace (ma kai Diamond Head corner) Honolulu, Oʻahu Celebrate Queen Liliʻuokalani’s birthday at ʻIolani Palace with a special teach-in and sing-along featuring Native Hawaiian leaders and students. Through stories, mele, and shared learning, this community gathering honors the queen’s enduring legacy and her lasting contributions to Hawaiʻi and its people. |
Kama‘āina Sunday at ‘Iolani Palace and FREE Palace Tours Sunday, September 13, 9am – 2pm ‘Iolani Palace, 364 S King St. | Honolulu, O‘ahu ʻIolani Palace welcomes all to Kama‘āina Sunday when guests can explore the Palace, immerse themselves in Hawaiian culture, taste ‘ono food, support local vendors, enjoy lively entertainment, and more. The free event is held on the second Sunday of every month. Self-led audio tours will be available for the first 500 attendees. A valid Hawai‘i State ID, Hawai‘i driver’s license, or proof of Hawai‘i residency is required for each complimentary ticket. One complimentary ticket per Hawai‘i resident. Kama‘āina are encouraged to come early! |
| Hauʻoli Lā Hānau e Liliʻuokalani – Free palace tours for kamaʻāina September 2, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ʻIolani Palace, 364 S King St. | Honolulu, OʻahuʻIolani Palace welcomes all residents on Queen Liliʻuokalani’s birthday to explore the palace for free. A valid Hawai‘i State ID, Hawaiʻi driver’s license, or proof of Hawaiʻi residency is required for each complimentary ticket. |
“The Impact of Reformatories and Industrial Schools in Hawai‘i” presented by Dr. Maile Arvin September 16, 6:00 p.m. John A. Burns School of Medicine, MEB Auditorium, 651 ʻIlalo St. | Kakaʻako, O‘ahu Dr. Maile Arvin examines the experiences of Native Hawaiian children who were institutionalized during the Territorial Period. Discover how this history continues to shape understandings of Native Hawaiian health, resilience, and healing. |
| Memory Walk in Honor of Queen Liliʻuokalani September 5, 12:00 noon The Cathedral of St Andrew’s, 229 Queen Emma Square Honolulu, O‘ahuTake a stroll in our mōʻī’s footsteps to places where she lived and prayed. We will begin at St. Andrew’s Cathedral then continue to Washington Place, Liliʻuokalani’s statue, then finish at ʻlolani Palace beneath the queen’s bedroom window. Free Event. |
Holoholo Honolulu: A Tour of Historic Health Sites September 18, 6:00 p.m. Kaka‘ako Makai, Honolulu Hop aboard a trolley for Holoholo Honolulu: A Tour of Historic Health Sites and journey through Kaka‘ako, Chinatown, and Kalihi-Pālama to explore the people, places, and events that shaped Hawai‘i’s public health history. Discover inspiring stories of resilience, healing, and community care while visiting historic hospitals, schools of medicine, and sites of healing that continue to tell Hawai‘i’s story. Registration is required as space is extremely limited. Go to hawaiianhistorymonth.org |
| Ka Lei Maile Aliʻi – The Queen’s Women September 5, 2:00 p.m. ʻIolani Palace – Kanaʻina Building, 364 S King St. Honolulu, O‘ahu Ka Lei Maile Aliʻi – The Queen’s Women is an immersive living history performance that reenacts the 1897 gathering of the Hui Aloha ʻĀina o Nā Wahine in Hilo as they collected signatures for the Kū‘ē Petitions opposing the annexation of Hawaiʻi. Through audience participation and powerful storytelling, participants are invited to step into history and experience the courage and leadership of Hawaiian women. Free event. |
The Beginning of a Garden living history performance September 19 – 1:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m. September 20 – 1:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m. September 26 – 1:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m. September 27 – 1:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m. Foster Botanical Garden, 50 N Vineyard Blvd. | Honolulu, O‘ahu Step into Hawai‘i’s past with The Beginning of a Garden, an immersive living history performance by Hawaiian playwright Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl. Set within Foster Botanical Garden, this guided experience reveals how the people, plants, and places of the Hawaiian Kingdom shaped one of Hawai‘i’s oldest botanical gardens, bringing history to life through the very landscape where it unfolded. |
| Mai Poina: The Overthrow September 5 – 4:00 p.m., 4:20 p.m., 4:40 p.m., 5:00 p.m. September 6 – 4:00 p.m., 4:20 p.m., 4:40 p.m., 5:00 p.m. September 12 – 4:00 p.m., 4:20 p.m., 4:40 p.m., 5:00 p.m. September 13 – 4:00 p.m., 4:20 p.m., 4:40 p.m., 5:00 p.m. ʻIolani Palace, 364 S King St. | Honolulu, OʻahuExperience Mai Poina: The Overthrow, a living history walking tour by Hawaiian playwright Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl that brings to life the pivotal events surrounding the 1893 overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Journey through six historic stations around ‘Iolani Palace, followed by a scholar discussion exploring the lasting impacts of this defining moment in Hawaiʻi’s history. Check-in and meet at the ‘Ewa end of the Hawaiʻi State Library |
Precious Garlands: The Life of Queen Emma and The Farewell of Queen Lili‘uokalani September 21 – 7:00 p.m. September 22 – 3:00 p.m. Lyman Museum, 276 Haili St. | Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island Experience Precious Garlands: The Life of Queen Emma and The Farewell of Queen Lili‘uokalani, two moving living history performances that bring the stories of Hawai‘i’s beloved queens to life. Through storytelling, music, and theatrical interpretation, these productions honor their leadership, resilience, and enduring contributions to the Hawaiian Kingdom and its people. |
| Native Hawaiians Abroad: Aliʻi Diplomatic Missions – a panel discussion September 9, 5:30 p.m. (EST) / 11:30 a.m. (HST) In-person at the Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote Office, 1025 Connecticut Ave. NW #600 | Washington, D.C. or virtual at hawaiianhistorymonth.orgJoin Ke Aliʻi Makaʻāinana Hawaiian Civic Club for Native Hawaiians Abroad: Ali‘i Diplomatic Missions, a panel discussion exploring the Hawaiian Kingdom’s diplomatic missions to Washington, D.C. Learn how Hawaiian aliʻi and their representatives engaged in nation-to-nation diplomacy while advocating for the sovereignty and future of Hawaiʻi, and why these historic missions continue to resonate today. |
The Historic Roles of Kanaloa Kaho‘olawe Panel Presentation Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 6:00 p.m. Mission Memorial Auditorium, 550 S King St. | Honolulu, O‘ahu A panel discussion with Dr. Davianna Pōmaika‘i McGregor, Michael Nāho‘opi‘i, and Hardy Spoeher moderated by Kim Ku‘ulei Birnie. McGregor is a professor emerita of ethnic studies and oral history at UH Mānoa and a longtime PKO leader. Nāho‘opi‘i is the executive director of the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission and a mo‘olono for the PKO. Spoehr is a historian who served as secretariat of the Congressionally formed Kaho‘olawe Island Conveyance Commission. The panel will discuss the varied historic roles of Kaho‘olawe over the centuries including as a place of refuge, a training ground for open ocean navigation, a royal refuge, a forest, a penal colony, a cattle ranch, and as a live-fire military training arena. |
| Native Hawaiians Abroad: Aliʻi Diplomatic Missions Walking Tour September 10, 10:00 a.m. – 12 noon (EST) Start at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel, 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW | Washington, D.C.Follow in the footsteps of Hawaiian aliʻi and diplomats on a guided walking tour through historic Washington, D.C. Visit the sites where Hawaiian Kingdom leaders conducted nation-to-nation diplomacy between 1842 and 1898 and discover the enduring legacy of Hawai‘i’s international relationships. |
Laʻa: Consecration of Aloha ʻĀina in ʻAha Thursday, September 24, 2026, 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. Bishop Museum – Hawaiian Hall, 1525 Bernice St. | Kapālama, O‘ahu Making La‘a is the first step in any successful Kānaka endeavor. Appealing to the akua and kūpuna is essential to all major tasks that a Kanaka takes. Because they are our sources of mana, we recognize that it is only with their support and aloha that our tasks will be meaningfully fulfilled. This panel explores the mo‘olelo of making and being la‘a on Kaho‘olawe. We will also trace how the spirit of la‘a has branched out to inspire an aloha ‘āina that places its faith in our akua across our pae moku. Panelists include Luana Busby-Neff, Kaliko Baker, Huihui Kanahele Mossman, and Kalā Mossman. Moderated by Kaipulaumakaniolono Keala. |
| Native Hawaiians Abroad: Capitol Visitor Center tour September 10, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (EST) Meet at the Capitol Visitor Center, 1st St. SE | Washington, D.C.Continue your journey through Hawaiian history with a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. Walk the halls where Queen Emma visited, where King Kalākaua was received by Congress in 1874, and where Prince Kūhiō later served as Hawai‘i’s Delegate to Congress, reflecting on the enduring legacy of Hawaiian leadership and diplomacy |
Precious Garlands: The Life of Queen Emma and The Farewell of Queen Lili‘uokalani September 25, 6:00 p.m. Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi, William Charles Lunalilo Center, 16-716 Volcano Road | Kea‘au, Hawai‘i Island Experience Precious Garlands: The Life of Queen Emma and The Farewell of Queen Lili‘uokalani, two moving living history performances that bring the stories of Hawai‘i’s beloved queens to life. Through storytelling, music, and theatrical interpretation, these productions honor their leadership, resilience, and enduring contributions to the Hawaiian Kingdom and its people. |
| Native Hawaiians Abroad: Mt. Vernon Grounds and House Tour September 11, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon (EST)3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Mount Vernon, VirginiaWalk in the footsteps of Queen Kapi‘olani and Princess Lydia Lili‘uokalani during a guided tour of George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate. Discover how their 1887 journey to Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee reflected the Hawaiian Kingdom’s place on the international stage. |
Precious Garlands: The Life of Queen Emma and The Farewell of Queen Lili‘uokalani September 26, TBD The Episcopal Church of the Holy Apostles, 1407 Kapiʻolani St. Hilo, Hawai‘i Island Experience Precious Garlands: The Life of Queen Emma and The Farewell of Queen Lili‘uokalani, two moving living history performances that bring the stories of Hawai‘i’s beloved queens to life. Through storytelling, music, and theatrical interpretation, these productions honor their leadership, resilience, and enduring contributions to the Hawaiian Kingdom and its people. |
Mahalo all the Hawaiian History Month sponsors and partners for all their support
Partners:
- ʻAhahui O Nā Kauka
- Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs
- Bishop Museum: State Museum of Natural and Cultural History of Hawaiʻi
- Center for Biographical Research, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
- Friends of ‘Iolani Palace
- Friends of Honolulu Botanical Garden
- Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities
- Hawaiʻi Youth Opera Chorus
- Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
- John A. Burns School of Medicine – Department of Native Hawaiian Health, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
- Kanaeokana
- Kawaiahaʻo Church
- Ke Aliʻi Maka‘āinana Hawaiian Civic Club
- Ke Ola Mamo
- King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center
- Mission Memorial, City and County of Honolulu
- ʻŌiwi TV
