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On the grounds of beautiful Huliheʻe Palace at the edge of Kailua Bay, this community celebration during February celebrates the life, legacy and deep connection to Huliheʻe Palace of Ruth Ke‘elikōlani Keanolani Kanāhoahoa.

Wehileiʻula is a month-long cultural observance held during Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (February 2026) to commemorate the 200th birthday of Ruth Ke‘elikōlani Keanolani Kanāhoahoa. Rooted in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and ʻike kūpuna, Wehileiʻula honors Keʻelikōlani’s life, legacy, and enduring pilina to Huliheʻe Palace, a place she cherished and helped shape as a living royal residence.

Inspired by the ʻike and legacy of Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani, Wehileiʻula is guided by a pilina to Hawaiian language, scholarship, and cultural excellence. Throughout the month, cultural programming weaves together ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, mele, hula, and oli as individual strands that collectively form a lei, a wehi, an offering to Keʻelikōlani.

This work is carried out in collaboration with community organizations, cultural practitioners, and leaders, honoring Keʻelikōlani not only as an aliʻi of her time, but as a guiding presence whose commitment to language, place, and sovereignty continues to shape our kuleana today.

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