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.

Hawaiian Quilt Drawing

Congratulations to winner Kamahiwahiwa Collins!!!

Enter for your chance to win a California King Size Hawaiian Quilt with Two Shams in the very special and most popular, traditional ‘Ulu quilt design. Symbolizing good luck, the ‘Ulu pattern is often the first design a quilter will learn how to quilt and gifted when celebrating a “First”, it is often given as gifts for weddings, birthdays, and graduation. The pattern of this quilt is in off-white on purple, hand quilted with an applique and then echo stitched by master quilters each with many years of quilting experience and a love of quilting. Kenui Quilts has been quilting for more than 29 years, bringing the best in Hawaiian Quilting. Master crafts-women take the time to ensure each quilt is handmade to be the most beautiful Hawaiian Quilt possible.

Enter Hawaiian Quilt Drawing

Suggested $5 donation per ticket. Winner must be 18 years or older and NO PURCHASE OR DONATION NECESSARY TO ENTER TO WIN. The Drawing will take place and the winner will be notified on February 25, 2023.

Entertainment

We’re looking forward to an incredible line-up of live, in-person Hawaiian music and hula performances this year, with festival host and emcee, Benjamin Samson! See below for our entertainers and when they’ll perform, so you can plan accordingly.

8:45 AM – Blessing & Oli with Kumu Keala Ching
9:00 AM – Kenny Tagavilla
10:00 AM – Hālau Nā Pua Uʻi O Hawaiʻi with Kumu Hula Etua Lopes
10:30 AM – Hālau Maunalei with Kumu Hula Lelehua Bray
11:00 AM – Hālau Kalaʻakeakauikawekiu with Kumu Hula Kenneth Aloha Victor
11:30 AM – Hālau Kaʻeakahelelani with Kumu Hula Kahelelani and Kaʻea Lyons
12:00 PM – Hālau Nā Kīpuʻupuʻu with Kumu Hula Micah Kamohoaliʻi
12:30 PM – Micah De Aguiar
1:00 PM – Miss Kona Coffee & Miss Aloha Hawaii
1:30 PM – Maka Gallinger
2:00 PM – Closing

Vendors

After a two-year hiatus, our Day at Huliheʻe Palace Mākeke is back! We’ve gathered a roster of local vendors, artisans, and food purveyors, all whose products and services celebrate Hawaiʻi’s rich heritage. Checkout some of our vendors below, we look forward to seeing you at the festival!

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.