It’s that time of year!
To honor Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani’s 197th birthday we’re celebrating with Day at Huliheʻe Palace during ka Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, Hawaiian Language Month! This year’s 40th anniversary of the festival will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023 from 9 AM to 2 PM. We are excited to open the doors and welcome kama‘āina and visitors to: tour the Palace, enjoy the grounds, immerse in a variety of Native Hawaiian arts and crafts with cultural practitioners, enter our drawing to win a Hawaiian quilt, and support local vendors and artisans, while enjoying musical entertainment and ‘ono food.
All proceeds from the Day go towards the historic preservation, maintenance and operations of the Palace and grounds.
Calling All Artisan and Food Vendors!
We are seeking local vendors, artisans, and services, handmade and locally made items, and food vendors, all whose products and services celebrate Hawai‘i’s rich heritage. If you are or know of a local vendor or artisan and are interested in a booth in our mākeke, or are a food vendor interested in serving food at the festival, it isn’t too late to reserve a spot! Space is limited and filling quickly, so submit your application today–it’s quick and easy and takes less than 5 minutes!
Vendor Fee Structure:
- 10X10 Standard Booth Space: $150
- 10X10 Shared Booth Space/Food Truck: $225
- 10×20 Double Booth Space: $275
Vendor selection will be determined by types of products, menu items, or services offered, in order to ensure a variety and well-rounded selection of products for attendees.
Set up: Tents, tables, chairs and large equipment may be left overnight and dropped off to your booth space one day prior to the festival during the designated drop-off time. Daughters of Hawai‘i will not be responsible for any items left overnight, anything left is at your own risk.
On the morning of the festival, set up begins as early as 6am. Vendors must be fully set up to receive patrons by 8:30am when opening protocol begins. Vendor check-in times may be staggered to ensure smooth drop off/set up. A vendor set-up letter with details will be sent prior to the day of the festival.
Download Complete List of Vendor Guidelines
Vendor Requirements:
- All vendors (food included) must be approved by the Festival Committee, in order to participate. General Excise license must be provided during registration.
- Vendors are allowed one additional person/helper in their booth. All vendors must wear a wristband.
- Tents, tables, chairs and other equipment needed are the responsibility of the vendor.
- Only white tents are permitted, no exceptions will be made.
- Food vendors are responsible for acquiring a Special Event Food Handling Permit from the Department of Health.
- Vendors must promote the Day at Hulihe‘e Palace festival on their social pages/websites and invite their local friends and followers to the festival.
- As a reminder, Hulihe‘e Palace is a historic site and must be treated with utmost respect. All helpers and workers assisting vendors must have a pleasant attitude, be flexible and cooperative. Please have aloha with your neighbors, festival staff, and volunteers. If you do not show up this way, you will not be welcomed back to vend at the Palace.
FUN FACT: Hulihe‘e Palace was built in 1838, by Royal Governor John Adams Kuakini, making it older than the present day ‘Iolani Palace which was built in 1882! Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani inherited the home in 1859 with the passing of her son John William Pitt Kīnaʻu. The home served as her chief residence for the remainder of her life. She opened and welcomed Huliheʻe to all reigning monarchs, inviting them to spend some time there as a private retreat from court life.
Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani was a strong supporter of the perpetuation of Hawaiian traditions, culture, and language. Although well-educated and proficient in the English language, she conducted all business and correspondence ma ka ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, requiring all non-speakers to obtain a translator. We are so excited to celebrate one of Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani’s favorite residences during a month that would have surely been important to her. We are honored to do our small part to share this part of her story and hope to inspire others with her legacy.