Immerse yourself in authentic traditions of Hawaiʻi at the 2nd Annual Hoʻokipa Hawaiʻi Weekend, a two-day cultural celebration taking place February 15-16, 2025, at Royal Hawaiian Center in the heart of Waikīkī.
Organized by the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association (NaHHA), this free, family-friendly event highlights the richness of Hawaiian arts, music, language, and traditions, offering an authentic and engaging experience for both residents and visitors.
Through cultural practitioners, live cultural presentations, educational exhibits, and a curated marketplace featuring Native Hawaiian-owned businesses, Hoʻokipa Hawaiʻi Weekend fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for Native Hawaiian culture.
“One of our primary goals is to share meaningful cultural connections with kamaʻāina and visitors, helping them grow in their appreciation and respect for Hawaiʻi and Native Hawaiian culture,” said Mālia Sanders, NaHHA Executive Director. “Hoʻokipa Hawaiʻi Weekend brings together Native Hawaiian artists, musicians, crafters, and cultural practitioners in an immersive experience that welcomes both kamaʻāina and visitors to engage with our traditions in a more authentic way.”
This year’s event is a 2024 HŌʻIHI Grant Awardee, supported by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Native Hawaiian Relations through NATIVE Act Funding.
“The HŌʻIHI grant places Native Hawaiian culture and traditions at the forefront of Hawaiʻi’s visitor industry while providing meaningful opportunities to experience the islands’ natural and cultural resources,” said Keʻalapualoke Fukuda, HŌʻIHI Grant Manager. “This year’s awardees showcase Hawaiʻi’s continued movement towards Regenerative Tourism.”
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, Hoʻokipa Hawaiʻi Weekend offers a rare opportunity to experience Hawaiian culture in a genuine and engaging way. Mark your calendars, bring your ʻohana (family), and celebrate authentic Native Hawaiian arts and culture in the heart of Waikīkī.
Hoʻokipa Hawaiʻi Weekend Highlights (3) three floors of activations
Ground Floor (1st Floor)
The Royal Grove
Interactive cultural exhibits and hands-on educational demonstrations featuring Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners of varying Native Hawaiian arts, practices, and disciplines.
Center Stage at Helumoa
Live Hawaiian music by renowned Native Hawaiian musicians, the Kawika Trask Trio featuring ʻIwalani Hoʻo Apo, Dwight Kanae, Roddy Lopez and Edward Punua.
Fashion Showcase: House of Kamohoaliʻi by Kumu Micah Kamohoaliʻi
Cultural performance by the Kamehameha Middle School
Mele (music) by the Kamehameha Schools Ka Mōʻī Jazz Ensemble
Hula Hālau exhibition by:
Ka Pā Hula O Nā Liko O Kalanialoha (Kumu Hula Anuhea Borengasser)
Hālau Nā Mamo O Kealamailani (Kumu Hula Tehani Gonzado)
Hālau Nā Maka O Ka Lauaʻe (Kumu Hula Lauaʻe Yamasaki)
Royal Hawaiian Center, Building A (3rd Floor)
Kaulele Exhibit
Presented by INPEACE, this interactive Hawaiian Culture & STEM Learning exhibit allows attendees to explore:
Loko iʻa (Hawaiian fishponds)
Kapa (Hawaiian barkcloth)
Kaulana Mahina (Hawaiian lunar calendar)
Ka Lewa Lānai (4th Floor)
Ka Lewa Lānai Stage
Cultural presentations and exhibitions by:
Ke Kai O Kahiki (Kumu Hula Laʻakea Perry)
Paoakalani Hula Hālau (Kumu Kalani Hiapo)
Hawaiian language presentation by INPEACE Keiki Steps Program
ʻUkulele Lesson by UPHawaiʻi
Kilo Hōkū (Celestial observations ) after twilight each night by Ka Mahina Project (Saturday, 2/15) and Stargazers of Hawaiʻi (Sunday, 2/16)
NaHHA’s Kuhikuhi Marketplace
Featuring 50 Native Hawaiian-owned businesses from throughout Hawaiʻi offering handmade arts, crafts, clothing, jewelry, Hawaiʻi-inspired food and snacks, and more.
Vendors have been selected based on their commitment to Hawaiian values of regeneration and sustainability.
The Poi & Palaka Lounge
Enjoy Hawaiʻi-made beer, wine, and specialty spirits all weekend long
KITV’s Island Life Live One Year Anniversary Live Broadcast – Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.
KITV’s Lina Girl & Davey D host a special live anniversary show featuring various event artists and practitioners with games, prizes, and giveaways!
Poi & Palaka Mele Series – Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.
Featuring Hawaiian music by Hōlei and featuring the following Hawaiʻi music legends:
Kuʻuipo Kumukahi
Karen Keawehawaiʻi
Jeff Rasmussen Trio
Kawika Kahiapo
Event Details
Date: February 15-16, 2025
Location: Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikīkī
Admission: FREE
