It’s that time of year!
Our cherished community festival for Hānaiakamalama is returning on Saturday, October 7, 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, enjoy the Daughters’ famous jams and jellies, 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.
PRIZE DRAWINGS
Enter for your chance to win a King Size Hawaiian Quilt with Two Shams showcasing the crown flower pattern in burgundy with an off-white border. Kenui Quilts has been quilting for more than 28 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.
This year’s quilt is laid across one of Queen Emma’s beds on exhibit at the Palace in the bedroom of Ka Haku O Hawaiʻi, Crown Prince Albert Edward Kauikeaouli Kaleiopapa a Kamehameha. This koa bed features spool-trimmed posts, a beaded trim at the top edges of the peaked head and footboards, and two drawers along both sides of the bed. Come visit us and view the bed and quilt in person!
Suggested $5 donation per entry. NO PURCHASE OR DONATION NECESSARY TO ENTER TO WIN. LIMITED TO ONE ENTRY PER PRIZE, WITHOUT DONATION PER DAY. Must be 18 yrs or older. Need not be present to win. Winner will be notified on Oct. 7, 2023.
Other Prizes Include:
A 27″ Yellow Lei Hulu Wili Poepoe Made & Donated by Kamanu Collection.
A 26” Silver Pheasant Feather Hatband Made by RG Kamoe, pāpale not included.
FESTIVAL ENTRY
Tickets are $10 General, $5 Youth (5 – 12 yrs), and $1 Children (4yrs & Under) and are available for purchase at the entrance. Entrances will open at 8:30 AM at the Queen Emma Summer Palace at 2913 Pali Hwy, and at Nuʻuanu Valley Park.
PALACE TOURS
Self-guided Palace tours are included with entry to the festival. Tours are not redeemable for another date.
ATTIRE
We recommend everyone dress comfortably and casually. Out of respect for Queen Emma, torsos must be fully covered before entering the Palace Museum. Sunblock, hats, and visors are highly recommended while enjoying the festival.
PARKING
Free festival parking is available adjacent to the Palace at Nuʻuanu Valley Park at 2925 Pali Hwy. The parking lot will open for attendees starting at 8:30 AM. Parking is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis, we highly recommend carpooling, public transportation, or ride-shares like Uber and Lyft.
Additional parking available at:
- St. Stephen’s Catholic Church: 2747 Pali Hwy
- Nuʻuanu Congregational Church: 2651 Pali Hwy
ENTERTAINMENT
As is tradition, we’re looking forward to an incredible line-up of Hawaiian music and hula performances throughout our 2023 Day at Hānaiakamalama Festival.
We are pleased to announce the return of Walea! After winning THREE Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards in 2022, we are excited and honored to welcome this talented trio back to the stage at Hānaiakamalama at 11 AM!
Walea, meaning “to relax, have a good time; to be so familiar that one places not effort,” is a trio that will take you on a musical journey back to old Hawaiʻi. The men of Walea with their ʻono Hawaiian music will entice you to want to sing or even dance a hula.
Their debut album Lei Pāpahi won three Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards in 2022:
- Most Promising Artists of the Year: Best first-recorded effort as a featured artist or group.
- Liner Notes of the Year: Best achievement in album cover design by Ku Koanui-Souza and Desi Nuʻuhiwa Koanui-Souza.
- Haku Mele of the Year: Composer’s award. Best first-release song or chant primarily in the Hawaiian language for Koʻolau Waltz composed by Kalani K. Akana.
At 11 AM listen to Walea’s live performance, then buy their CD at the gift shop, order direct, or download from iTunes.
“E walea kākou!”
See below for a first look at our entertainment lineup for the festival and when they’ll perform, so you can plan accordingly!
Meet Festival Host & Emcee, Calabash Cousin Kainoa Daines! Kainoa is a strong supporter of our lovely organization, always promoting and encouraging kamaʻāina and visitors to learn our history, and celebrate our aliʻi while visiting the Palaces!
Join us for the blessing and opening protocol to signal the start of the 46th Annual Day at Hānaiakamalama.
Join Sharene Taba and students as they play harp inside of Hānaiakamalama.
Founded in 1836 by King Kamehameha III, Queen Emma’s father-in-law, the Royal Hawaiian Band is the only full time municipal band in the United States with a real legacy and is currently an agency of the City and County of Honolulu.
Tony K. Conjugacion is an award-winning composer, songwriter, recording artist and Kumu Hula. Kumu Tony has been the resident kumu at Hānaiakamalama for 21 years!
Let this Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winning trio take you on a musical journey back to old Hawaiʻi!
A lifelong seeker of knowledge, Kumu Kanoe founded her hālau in 2010. She currently teaches hula out of her family home in Nuʻuanu and also teaches choir, general music and ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi at Punahou School in Mānoa.
The Punahou Alumni Glee Club is welcome to all, where the only prerequisite is having the heart to sing. Founded in the early 1980s, the club performs mostly Hawaiian music at several venues throughout the year, including the Alumni Lū‘au.
Kumu Hiwa is known for instilling a firm foundation in footwork and adherence to hula traditions passed down to her by the masters under which she was fortunate to study. Her love for hula began at age 3 and prepared her for the titles of Miss Keiki Hula 1985 and Miss Aloha Hula 1995.
Country Store
You’ll find the Daughters’ famous jams, jellies, and chutneys, along with a selection of freshly baked goods and local treats in the Country Store in Emmalani Hale! We are also pre-selling the following offerings which may be picked up on Friday and Saturday. Last year we quickly sold out, so be sure to pickup your order right away during the Day at Hānaiakamalama.
New Queen Emma Book!! $10
Hot off the press! Order and pickup your copy, before it hits the stores! Originally published in 2003 by the Daughters of Hawaiʻi Publications Committee, this revised edition is published in partnership with Mutual Publishing and will be released to the public in mid-October 2023.
Hawaiian Sweet Bread $8
Enjoy the ultra-moist and perfectly sweet, Famous Hawaiian Sweet Bread by Punaluʻu Bake Shop! Sweet Bread is perfect for sandwiches, french toast, or slathered with the Daughtersʻ jams and jellies. One loaf is sure to make everyone smile and is almost never enough!
Grass-Fed Oxtail Soup $20
Hawaiʻi loves Oxtail Soup, this ultimate local comfort food is nourishing and soothing for the mind, body, and soul! The classic local dish is perfect to have on-hand for those chilly island nights that are right around the corner, or when you need a warm hug served in a bowl with a large scoop rice.
Organic Kālua Pig $10
A local favorite to have ready-to-go in your freezer at any time! Mountain View Farms in Waiʻanae, uses natural farming methods to raise local, organic, vegan-fed pigs with no antibiotics, steroids, vaccines, growth promoters or added hormones. Savor this perfectly salted, kiawe smoked deliciousness!
Orders may be picked up in Emmalani Hale at the Queen Emma Summer Palace on Friday, October 6, 1 PM – 4 PM and on Saturday, October 7, 9 AM – 2 PM.
Native Hawaiian Arts & Practices
Interested in learning more about traditional Native Hawaiian arts and practices? We’ve invited a few practitioners to share their ‘ike and craft during the festival. Stop by their booths and they’ll not only share their craft with interactive demonstrations, but let you give it a try too!
Lomilomi with Blane Pōmaika’i Benevedes
Blane Pōmaika’i Benevedes is a massage therapist and lomilomi from Koʻolau, Oʻahu. Pōmaika’i began his training in the Pā Ola style of lomilomi under noted kumu lomilomi Alva Andrews in 2009. A former Hawaiian cultural educator, consultant and researcher, Pōmaika’i now operates Hale Pā Maikaʻi in Mōʻiliʻili, where he specializes in rehabilitative forms of massage. In addition to his foundation in Pā Ola lomilomi, Pōmaika’i is trained in Lomi ʻAʻe (Ka Pā o Lonopūhā, kumu Keola Chan) and Aunty Margaret Machado’s style of lomilomi (Hands Towards Heaven, kumu Noelani Bennett). He also recently qualified as a Dr. Vodder International Applied Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist.
During the Day at Hanaiakamalama, Pōmaika’i will be offering 30-minute lomilomi appointments, at $30 per session. Appointments are by sign-up only and are on a first-come first-serve basis.
Floral Lei Making with Kumu Kuhi
Born and raised in Mililani, Kumu Kuhi has had a love for the ‘āina and for lei since she her childhood. She truly enjoys sharing her knowledge about the Hawaiian Art of Lei Making, Native Hawaiian Plants, and Hawaiian Culture.
Kumu Kuhi works closely with Hānaiakamalama, offering monthly lei po‘o workshops, and teaches lei koko during Ho‘onanea: A Vintage Experience at Hānaiakamalama.
‘Ohe Kapala Stamping with Nalu Andrade
Nalu first had an interest in carving at the age of six when he was witness to the 1978 voyage of Hōkūleʻa. He borrowed carving and voyaging books from his school library and began to try to make his own canoe with items found around his home. While still in high school, he was asked to help with the lashing on Hōkūleʻa at Pier 40. During his time with Hōkūleʻa he met many artists and carvers that were involved in the new Hawaiian renaissance. In 2015, Nalu created Na Maka Kahiko. Blending the old with the new; he created his hand carved ʻohe kapala earrings inspired by designs found at the Bishop Museum.
Nalu will be offering ‘ohe kapala stamping during the Day at Hānaiakamalama festival.
Ulana Lauhala with Nicole Keala Creates
Born and raised on the Leeward coast of the island of Oʻahu. Nicole has always had a passion for art and working with her hands. She first discovered her love for ulana lauhala at the young age of twelve while on a huakaʻi to Lanikuhonua with the Kamehameha School’s Summer Explorations Program, Hoʻomakaʻikaʻi. It was during this sime, she wove her first apolima, or bracelet, and was completely hooked. Needless to say, everyone in her household received a one-of-a-kind bracelet for Chrsitmas.
Today, Nicole continues to study ulana lauhala under Ilana Me Ka Lokomaikaʻi and her Kumu Kal Shibata. To Nicole, wearing is more than just a finished product, weaving is a way to connect both the past and present. It is a way to build pilina, or relationships, and learn patience and preserverance. Nicole Keala is excited to be part of the Day at Hānaiakamalama this year, and can’t wait to share her love for ulana lauhala with you.
Festival Mākeke
Vendors with handmade and locally made items, local artists and artisans, and food purveyors whose products and services celebrate Hawai‘i’s rich heritage bring energy and excitement to our event. View the Festival Map or checkout our list below of vendors, we look forward to seeing you at the festival!
- Tūtū’s Attic
- Keiki Activity Booths
- Na Maka Kahiko
- Just a Little Hawaiian
- 21 Degrees North Designs
- Wela Designs Enterprises
- Joy Within Hawaii
- Hūnā by Healani
- Aloha de Mele
- Two Seas Arts
- Arlie Glass
- Limahana
- Designs by Winnie
- Handwritten Aloha
- Lanikai Art & Jewelry
- Red Thread Artistry
- Mala Mama
- Debby Sato Designs
- And More 808
- DeStash Hawaii
- Sati Gems Hawaii
- Kuiki
- Sheyla Stevens Art & Crochet
- Koa Kards
- Angels of Aloha
- David Shepard Hawaii
- Anna Grace Jewelry
- Saszdcreations
- Lamaku Society
- Imperial Coastal Shop
- She Builds Too
- Baby Keiki
- Shiprek Hawaii
- Waiolu Creations
- Pili Pono‘ī
- Hawaiian Accessories
- Big Girl Bakes
- Celine’s best
- Papa Len’s
- Sukimo Creations
- Onekea Bros. General Store
CHECK BACK FREQUENTLY FOR THE LATEST FESTIVAL INFORMATION AND OFFERINGS!
Interested in having a booth at the festival? 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 a local vendor or artisan interested in a booth in our mākeke, or 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! View a Complete List of Vendor Guidelines
FUN FACTS: Hānaiakamalama was built in 1848, making it older than the present day ‘Iolani Palace which was built in 1882! Queen Emma inherited the home in 1857 from her uncle Keoni Ana, also known as John Young II, who served as Kuhina Nui or Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i from 1845 to 1855. Queen Emma frequented the estate as a young girl and with the passing of her uncle, used the estate as a private, mountain retreat from the city, often hosting private dinners, balls, and dance parties.
Queen Emma was a strong supporter of education and healthcare for her people and her legacy lives on through the institutions she started with her husband, Alexander Liholiho who reigned as King Kamehameha IV. These institutions like The Queen’s Health System, St. Andrew’s Schools, and ʻIolani School continue to serve the people of Hawaiʻi today. We are so excited to celebrate Queen Emma and invite you to spend the day at one of her favorite residences. We are honored to do our small part to share this part of her story and hope to inspire others with her legacy.