The 25th annual Native Hawaiian Convention opened Monday at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center in Honolulu, ushering in a full week of cultural programming, political discussion and community gatherings that organizers said will draw about 2,000 people. The convention runs July 20–22 and is followed immediately by the Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition & Festival, July 23–25.
Culture, policy and community on the agenda
Organizers said the event will blend cultural workshops, a curated marketplace called Nā Mea Hawaiʻi, keynote addresses, special performances and a slate of breakout sessions focused on issues facing Hawaiʻi and Native Hawaiian communities. Visual reminders of the islands' history include 133 Hawaiian flags lining Ward Avenue and King Street around the Blaisdell Center, representing the 133 years since the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Highlights scheduled include keynote remarks from Gov. Josh Green on Tuesday and Senate President Ron Kouchi on Wednesday. Kūhiō Lewis, CEO of the Hawaiian Council (CNHA), is listed among the speakers and organizers for the event.
Youth programming and community marketplace
Monday opened with pre-convention activities: registration, an ʻAha ʻŌpio track bringing together more than 300 students for youth-focused programming, cultural workshops led by kumu and practitioners, and the Nā Mea Hawaiʻi marketplace showcasing Hawaiʻi-made goods from local businesses and artisans.
- Workshops and breakout sessions led by cultural practitioners.
- Keynote addresses and plenary discussions on governance and Hawaiian trusts.
- Marketplace featuring local artisans and vendors.
Tuesday's agenda includes an opening ceremony, musical performances by Ka Naʻi Aupuni, a panel titled “Eō ka Lāhui – The Threat to our Hawaiian Trusts!,” and a discussion on the future of Hawaiian Airlines. Wednesday will feature keiki hula, the announcement of the Hoʻoholo 24-hour film competition winner, a plenary discussion with all four county mayors and a conversation about artificial intelligence, culminating in a 25th anniversary Hoʻolauleʻa celebration.
| Day | Key events |
|---|---|
| July 20 (Pre-Convention) | Registration, ʻAha ʻŌpio (300+ students), workshops, Nā Mea Hawaiʻi marketplace |
| July 21 (Day 1) | Opening ceremony, Gov. Josh Green keynote, panels on trusts and Hawaiian Airlines |
| July 22 (Day 2) | Keiki hula, film competition award, Senate President Ron Kouchi remarks, mayoral discussion, Hoʻolauleʻa |
Why it matters
The convention serves as both a cultural festival and a policy forum. By convening elders, hula practitioners, youth and elected officials, the event provides a venue for discussing governance of Hawaiian trusts, education of younger generations and the economic health of Native Hawaiian enterprises. The visibility of elected leaders — including the governor and the Senate president — underscores the convention’s role in shaping conversations that may influence state policy affecting Native Hawaiian communities.
Following the convention, the keiki hula festival and public Keiki Hula Market are expected to continue community engagement with more than 50 local vendors and 30 ʻōpio vendors participating, offering an extended showcase of Hawaiian culture and small-business activity.
Events are open to the public and scheduled across multiple days, with organizers encouraging attendance at workshops, panel discussions and the Hoʻolauleʻa to participate in both cultural practice and civic dialogue.
Leilani Akana is the Hawaii correspondent for News Block.
