A full week of Native Hawaiian culture, conversation, music and community begins July 20 at Neal S. Blaisdell Center in Honolulu, with the 25th annual Native Hawaiian Convention, with 2,000-plus people expected to gather.
The convention is July 20-22 and will be immediately followed by Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition & Festival from July 23-25.
This year’s convention will once again bring the Native Hawaiian community together for cultural workshops, Nā Mea Hawaiʻi curated marketplace, keynote addresses, special performances, major discussions about issues facing Hawaiʻi and a 25th anniversary Hoʻolauleʻa.
Events continue Thursday with 3 days of keiki hula and a public Keiki Hula Market, featuring more than 50 local and 30 ʻōpio vendors.
Adding to the visual impact, 133 Hawaiian flags line Ward Avenue and King Street around Blaisdell Center, representing the 133 years since the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
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CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS BY DAY
July 20: Pre-convention
- Convention registration begins; start of the ʻAha ʻŌpio track, bringing together more than 300 students for youth-focused programming; more than 20 breakout sessions and cultural workshops led by kumu and practitioners; and Nā Mea Hawaiʻi curated marketplace, featuring Hawaiʻi-made products from local businesses and artisans.
July 21: Convention Day 1
- Opening ceremony; special guest musicians performing Ka Naʻi Aupuni; remarks by Hawaiian Council Chief Executive Officer Kūhiō Lewis; a keynote address by Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green; “Eō ka Lāhui — The Threat to our Hawaiian Trusts!” panel; discussion about the future of Hawaiian Airlines; more than 20 breakout sessions following plenary discussion.
July 22: Convention Day 2
- Special keiki hula performances; announcement of Hoʻoholo 24-hour film competition winner; keynote remarks by Hawaiʻi Senate President Ron Kouchi of Kauaʻi; discussion with all four county mayors; “The Coming of Hiʻiaka”; conversation about artificial intelligence; more than 20 breakout session following plenary discussion; 25th anniversary Hoʻolauleʻa.
The convention’s ending outdoor festivities will celebrate 25 years of gathering the lāhui, with a throwback concert featuring Hoʻonuʻa, Manaʻo Company, Natural Vibes and Kapena. All of their music helped define the era when the Native Hawaiian Convention began.
Food trucks, games, prizes and other activities also will be part of the 2026 Hoʻolauleʻa, which costs an extra and separate $25 to attend. Click here.
The full 2026 convention agenda is also available now at the convention website. Those interested in attending must register.
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QUEEN LILIʻUOKALANI KEIKI HULA COMPETITION & FESTIVAL
The week of Native Hawaiian programming continues July 23-25 after the convention with the 51st annual Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition & Festival, also at Blaisdell Center.
The 3-day event will feature 15 hālau from throughout Hawaiʻi and a public Keiki Hula Market with more than 55 local vendors curated by Nā Mea Hawaiʻi and more than 30 ʻōpio entrepreneurs participating through Keiki Rise.
Tickets and additional information are available online.
