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Hawaiian History Month is an annual invitation to honor Queen Liliʻuokalani, celebrate the rich history of Hawaiʻi and its Indigenous people, and deepen our understanding of the people, places and events that continue to shape these Islands.

As communities across the pae ʻāina come together each September for a month of special events, we invite everyone in Hawaiʻi — and around the world — to continue learning, sharing, and celebrating Hawaiian history throughout the year. This year’s celebration features concerts, living history performances, walking tours, panel discussions, student documentaries, cultural demonstrations and educational programs that bring Hawaiʻi’s history to life.

Whether you are able to join us in person or participate through livestreamed events, each experience is an opportunity to remember the resilience of our kūpuna, honor the strength of our Kānaka ‘Ōiwi and our lāhui, and celebrate the living traditions that continue to guide Hawai‘i today.

More than a series of events, Hawaiian History Month is an ‘aha: a collection of experiences and gatherings that heal and strengthen our aloha for one another and for this beloved place, connecting past, present and future.

It reminds us that we all share a collective kuleana to aloha our ‘āina, preserve our culture, respect the rights of Native Hawaiians, and perpetuate EA so that future generations inherit a thriving Hawai‘i. May the aloha we experience throughout this month inspire each of us to live our EA every day.

To explore the full calendar of events, register for programs, access livestreams, discover educational resources, and find ways to celebrate Hawaiian History Month throughout the year visit 

And follow us on social media for event updates, historical stories, and opportunities to stay connected with the growing Hawaiian History Month movement.

ACT 167 (2025) Relating to Hawaiian History Month

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Hawaiʻi:

SECTION 1.
The legislature finds that in the month of September, Queen Lili‘uokalani’s birth, life, and legacy is remembered and celebrated in the Hawaiian community, including at churches and Hawaiian organizations, such as Kawaiaha‘o Church’s Ali‘i Sunday, the Lili‘uokalani Trust Kīpuka (children centers), and the Kamehameha Schools.

The legislature further finds that the Hawai‘i Pono‘ī Coalition was formed in 2007 to educate residents and visitors to the islands on Hawai‘i’s history, the Native Hawaiian people, and the culture that makes Hawai‘i a place like no other. In September 2007, the Coalition launched a commemorative event on the grounds of ‘Iolani Palace to celebrate the birthday of Queen Lili‘uokalani.

The legislature concludes that designating September as Hawaiian History Month would be an appropriate way to honor Queen Lili‘uokalani and recognize the contributions of the Native Hawaiian community, while also providing community building, educational, and economic opportunities.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to designate September as Hawaiian History Month.

SECTION 2.
Chapter 8, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

“§8- Hawaiian History Month. The month of September shall be known and designated as “Hawaiian History Month” to promote public awareness of Hawai‘i’s history, honor Queen Liliuokalani, and recognize the contributions of the Native Hawaiian community. This month is not and shall not be construed as a state holiday.”

Approved Junes 3, 2025

[{"type":"text","text":"Hawaiian History Month Events"}]

“The Impact of Reformatories and Industrial Schools in Hawai‘i” presented by Dr. Maile Arvin 

Where: John A. Burns School of Medicine, MEB Auditorium, 651 ʻIlalo St.

Dr. Maile Arvin examines the experiences of Native Hawaiian children who were institutionalized during the Territorial Period. Discover how this history continues to shape understandings of Native Hawaiian health, resilience and healing. 

"The Beginning of a Garden" living history performance 

When: Sept. 19 – 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m.

Where: Foster Botanical Garden, 50 N Vineyard Blvd. (Honolulu, O‘ahu)

What:  Step into Hawai‘i’s past with "The Beginning of a Garden," an immersive living history performance by Hawaiian playwright Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl. Set within Foster Botanical Garden, this guided experience reveals how the people, plants, and places of the Hawaiian Kingdom shaped one of Hawai‘i’s oldest botanical gardens, bringing history to life through the very landscape where it unfolded. 

"Precious Garlands: The Life of Queen Emma and The Farewell of Queen Lili‘uokalani" (

What: Experience "Precious Garlands: The Life of Queen Emma and The Farewell of Queen Lili‘uokalani," two moving living history performances that bring the stories of Hawai‘i’s beloved queens to life. Through storytelling, music, and theatrical interpretation, these productions honor their leadership, resilience, and enduring contributions to the Hawaiian Kingdom and its people. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"Other showings: "}]

Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi, William Charles Lunalilo Center, 16-716 Volcano Road, Kea‘au

The Episcopal Church of the Holy Apostles, 1407 Kapiʻolani St., Hilo

The Historic Roles of Kanaloa Kaho‘olawe Panel Presentation (

Where: Mission Memorial Auditorium, 550 S King St. 

A panel discussion with Dr. Davianna Pōmaika‘i McGregor, Michael Nāho‘opi‘i, and Hardy Spoeher moderated by Kim Ku‘ulei Birnie. McGregor is a professor emerita of ethnic studies and oral history at UH Mānoa and a longtime PKO leader. Nāho‘opi‘i is the executive director of the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission and a mo‘olono for the PKO. Spoehr is a historian who served as secretariat of the Congressionally formed Kaho‘olawe Island Conveyance Commission. The panel will discuss the varied historic roles of Kaho‘olawe over the centuries including as a place of refuge, a training ground for open ocean navigation, a royal refuge, a forest, a penal colony, a cattle ranch, and as a live-fire military training arena. 

Laʻa: Consecration of Aloha ʻĀina in ʻAha (

Where: Bishop Museum – Hawaiian Hall, 1525 Bernice St. 

Making La‘a is the first step in any successful Kānaka endeavor. Appealing to the akua and kūpuna is essential to all major tasks that a Kanaka takes. Because they are our sources of mana, we recognize that it is only with their support and aloha that our tasks will be meaningfully fulfilled. This panel explores the mo‘olelo of making and being la‘a on Kaho‘olawe. We will also trace how the spirit of la‘a has branched out to inspire an aloha ‘āina that places its faith in our akua across our pae moku. Panelists include Luana Busby-Neff, Kaliko Baker, Huihui Kanahele Mossman, and Kalā Mossman. Moderated by Kaipulaumakaniolono Keala.

E hoʻomanaʻo. E aʻo. E hoʻolauleʻa. E ola ke ea. Remember. Learn. Celebrate. May our ea continue to live.

This article is reprinted with permission from 

Hawaiian History Month: A Month to Remember, A Year to Celebrate

," by Ka Wai Ola in its September 2026 issue, Vol. 43 No. 9. Read more at 

Hawaiian History Month 2048x1188

<title>Hawaiian History Month: A Month to Remember, A Year to Celebrate</title>

This year’s celebration features living history performances, panel discussions, cultural demonstrations and more that bring Hawaiʻi’s history to life. See the list of remaining events this month.

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Aloha Spirit

Adopt a Pet

Kevin Clegg, who is born and raised in Kailua and now lives in town with two dogs, recalled his first interaction with the Hawaiian Humane Society 13 years ago, when he adopted a rat to comply with his condo’s pet rules.

“It was good in its cage, but my dream was 

to have a little Pomeranian dog,” he told Aloha State Daily, noting he was later able to get a puppy from a pet owner and called her Tanuki.

That year for his birthday, Clegg asked his party guests to donate to Hawaiian Humane Society in lieu of gifts, which garnered funds, as well as pet food and supplies, and more.

“That was my first time really trying to give back,” said Clegg who works in retail management.

His second dog, Koguma, is an 8-year-old Maltese Yorkie foster. “Somebody was going to give him up and I said, ‘Oh, I’ll watch him until you find another owner.’ But then I ended up being a ‘foster fail’ because I kept him,” he said with a laugh.

But for him three years ago, being a pet parent fur-ever changed. Clegg discovered that his Pomeranian Tanuki was showing early stages of heart disease after she had a seizure at home.

“For me that was the catalyst. I thought my dog was going to die,” he told ASD. “That year was crazy for me, I felt like there was a time bomb going off and I wanted to do something to kind of prepare myself for her illness.”

That’s when he decided to retroact hard times with good intentions, he says, and became a Hawaiian Humane Society volunteer.

“It’s really given me the strength and courage to listen, learn and be a teacher,” he said. “Hawaiian Humane Society has helped me find true purpose. Now, when I’m a pet parent to animals getting older and sicker, I think to myself how lucky I am to care for them in their sickness. My commitment is to keeping all animals safe because in this life, health is wealth, which is what drives me.”

As an adoption volunteer, Clegg says he likes working with people, too, “guiding them on their journey to find their pet companion.” He also enjoys mentoring new volunteers and serving alongside like-minded, "inspiring" individuals.

There is always a need for more volunteers in varying positions and capacities 

“If you love animals, it’s a great thing to be a part of. There are even people there who love to clean up dog poop, it brings them joy,” he notes. “As a volunteer, if somebody needs help folding towels or cleaning kennels or making food, I jump right into that area and give it my all, or more at 120%, which I learned as a leader at my job.”

According to Clegg, helping the Hawaiian Humane Society's mission to shelter, protect, rescue, reunite and rehomes animals is “pure happiness.”

“If you want to do something selfless, it’s going to come back 10 times. There’s something for you here if you want to come and experience what it’s like,” he said.

Those interested in volunteering or learning more can visit the Hawaiian Humane Society’s 

 Meet available dogs and the adoptions team in-person at these upcoming events:

Animals up for adoption at Hawaiian Humane Society can also be visited daily from 11 a.m to 6 p.m. at both the Mōʻiliʻili Campus and the Kosasa Family Campus at Hoʻopili. To see pets currently up for adoption online, 

Other ways for the community to get involved include foster programs like Couch Crashers and Lap Crashers, as well as Wags & Whiskers Wednesdays, among other initiatives. Registration is open for the annual 

; the fundraiser will be held on Oct. 24 at Kapiʻolani Park.

 for updates on Flash Adoption Specials, like the one last weekend where all adoption fees were waived by VCA Animal Hospitals to make room for the animals arriving from the Kauaʻi Humane Society following Hurricane Lowell.

, president and CEO of the Hawaiian Humane Society, said at the time in a statement that pet such adoptions “opens a kennel and gives our staff and volunteers more capacity for the animals who remain, more one-on-one time for socialization, enrichment and the daily care that keeps them healthy and ready for adoption. That ripple is what lets us care for the animals already filling our campuses and step up for Kauaʻi at the same time. When one island is in need, we show up for each other, and our community makes that possible every time they choose to adopt."

To support the Kauaʻi Humane Society's relief and recovery efforts directly, go to: 

Read another volunteer perspective from the Maui Humane Society by ASD 

2024 04 27 Volunteer Services Manager Isa Cortina with Volunteer Kevin Clegg at Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast LANDSCAPE PC Hawaiian Humane Society

<title>Hawaiian Humane Society volunteer finds 'true purpose' helping animals</title>

Kevin Clegg, who first adopted a pet rat from the nonprofit 13 years ago, now volunteers at the organization’s Mōʻiliʻili campus weekly. He shares what initially prompted him to give back to the community, what he likes most about working in adoptions and why if you love animals, it’s a great cause to join.

Hawaiian Humane Society volunteer finds 'true purpose' helping animals

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

Business & Tourism

 is celebrating its 12th birthday this Saturday, Sept. 19, in Mānoa. The celebration is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and guests can look forward to a free gift with purchase, free samples, and access to new merch.

“We are throwing a birthday party with all of our chocolate friends on one day, which is not something we typically do,” says owner and CCO (chocolate connections officer) Erin Kanno Uehara

. “The biggest reason why I wanted to have this party was really to see the people who have kept us in business for all these years, and personally thank them, face-to-face.

“It’s an all-day casual event to come and connect, and stay and sweeten relationships with our team, each other and bring along a new chocolate friend, too,” she adds.

Reflecting on the past year, Kanno Uehara acknowledges that it was financially “more challenging to do business in Hawaiʻi.”

“(It was challenging) with increase in costs across the board, repairs needed, unexpected hardships, and people spending less,” she says. “But, it was also the most rewarding year with the most incredible team who stepped up and worked well together. Everyone contributed ideas and worked really hard to take care of our chocolate friends the best we could, because we know everyone faces challenges.”

The business recently launched a variety of interactive experiences, including kitchen access tours; a private chocolate tasting, tour and talk at the business’s Chocolate House; and custom presentation and chocolate tasting with Kanno Uehara.

The 15-minute kitchen access mini tour takes guests behind the scenes of the business’s chocolate-making process. Individuals also learn more about Choco leʻa’s history. Aloha State Daily got to go on one of these tours last month.

“Choco is short for chocolate in French; lea is Hawaiian for joy,” explains admin assistant Madison Thiele, who leads the kitchen access tours. “It (our name) means spreading joy through our chocolate. It’s reminiscent of our mission statement, which is ‘Bringing peace to our world, one chocolate at a time.’”

The business’s logo features a redtail tropic bird, according to Thiele, who says the bird is holding a cacao branch in its beak.

“It’s reminiscent of the dove holding the olive branch; it’s our way of spreading peace through chocolate,” she explains.

The business specializes in artisan dark chocolate truffles and creative flavors. 

The business’s chocolatiers make everything by hand for the store, according to Thiele.

Choco leʻa’s kitchen and watch the truffles being made. Individuals will also get a look at the business’s special machine that runs dark chocolate.

“She (our machine) was our biggest investment,” Thiele explains. “She keeps all of our chocolate perfectly tempered. It’s really important to keep the chocolate at a certain temperature and keep it constantly moving as well.”

During the tour, individuals will get the taste the business’s warm, running chocolate, along with a current featured special. During our tour, chocolate-dipped mangoes were featured; guests enjoyed the hands-on experience of dipping their fruit in chocolate.  

The business has a separate machine to create confections with white chocolate. There’s a special machine that strictly runs dark chocolate (there’s a separate machine for white chocolate).

Thiele explains that the team brainstorms ideas for seasonal products about three to four months in advance.

“We like to have different-flavored truffles every single month,” she says. “Before we released the fruity cereal bar, we let guests try it.”

At the end of the tour, there’s a Q&A time for guests to ask questions. They’ll also get samples of 

Choco leʻa’s popular iced chocolate drink ($7.49), along with a kitchen tour-exclusive keepsake.

When the tour concludes, guests are invited to shop in the store.

“The most popular truffle flavor is the triple chocolate because it really lets the chocolate flavor shine through,” Thiele says. “When it comes to seasonal flavors, strawberry lychee is popular.”

Other customer favorites include the business’s Hokkaido soft cream ($6.99); choose from vanilla, chocolate or a swirl. Guests can add toppings like sprinkles and Oreo cookie crumbles from the topping bar for an additional $1.50.

Kitchen access tours start at $20 for individuals ages 5 years and older; maximum of six people per group. The mini tours are available between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Wednesdays to Saturdays (but are not available during December).

As the business starts gearing up for the holiday season — filled with lots of fun, limited-time flavors — Kanno Uehara says customers can look forward to new customized offerings, new flavors, and first-time local collaborations.

“We are constantly innovating, learning and trying to get better so we get excited for every new year,” she says. “We will continue to deliver the same consistent quality products, care in packaging and authenticity in our service. You can count on that being the same next year.

“I thank God every day for the people I get to work with, and for the people we serve,” she adds. “Even after 12 years, it really still is a true joy and blessing to get to do this work. We have the most amazing support from our longtime, loyal chocolate friends, and have made really great, new friends, too, who are just discovering us.”

Choco lea interior 091526

<title>Choco leʻa is celebrating its 12th birthday</title>

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, the Mānoa-based business will be offering free samples, a free gift with purchase, and a first look at its new merchandise. Choco leʻa also recently launched a variety of interactive experiences; come with Aloha State Daily on its mini kitchen access tour, where we learned more about the chocolate-making process.

Choco leʻa is celebrating its 12th birthday

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ASD Staff

Daily Smile

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Smile 26 9 16 2

<title>Daily Smile: Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026</title>

Just trying to figure things out.....

Daily Smile: Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Listen to the Mākaha Sons and Hoʻokena at Hoʻolauʻleʻa, attend a paniolo-themed barbecue that benefits Windward Community College, or

. Aloha State Daily compiled this list of 10 things you can do on Oʻahu this Friday, Sept. 18, Saturday, Sept. 19, or Sunday, Sept. 20.

Looking to Island hop? Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra is offering its free Mele for Maui on Saturday, Sept. 19, at Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows, which will be its first performance on Maui in 10 years and celebrates the resilience of Lahaina, Kihei and Kula after the devastating wildfires of 2023. 

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Catch the “Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals.” 

A critically endangered Hawksbill sea turtle, as well as a giant Kāhuli land snail — and coral — will come to life in performances of “Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals,” presented by 

 and Hawaiʻi Theatre, which will have its world premiere this weekend. Narrated by 

, the performances include music, dance and giant puppets crafted from recycled cardboard and paper on Friday, Sept. 18, and Saturday, Sept. 19, at Hawaiʻi Theatre. Based on the famous suite, “The Carnival of the Animals,” by Camille Saint-Saëns, which was composed more than 100 years ago, the “Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals” focuses on endangered species, including several that call Hawaiʻi home. 

. Use the code MALAMA20 for a 20% discount. 

More than 25 food spots in Ward Village will be serving up exclusive menus and special offers in this culinary showcase. Special features include menu items with caviar, a three-course meal, and more. The event runs from Wednesday, Sept. 16, through Wednesday, Sept. 30. 

Listen to Aloha Friday Music in the Park. 

Ready to get in a weekend mood? Head to Victoria Ward Park, mauka, and catch live music from the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winning artists Kalaʻe Camarillo and Lopaka Colón. This music series takes place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the third Friday of the month. Grab food and drinks from local eateries or bring your own picnic. 

Catch the final performances of “The Queen’s Will.” 

The world premiere of a new play, “The Queen’s Will,” opened at Kumu Kahua Theatre in August. Limited tickets still exist for Friday, Sept. 18, and Saturday, Sept. 19. 

The last performance on Sunday, Sept. 20, is sold out.

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Make a lantern at Chinatown 808's Mid-Autumn Festival. 

The volunteer-led nonprofit Chinatown 808 is bringing back its Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival. The festival includes a parade, a lantern-making workshop and contest, and more than 30 food or craft vendors, plus activities for keiki and live entertainment. 

Attend the In the Key of Aloha / Goodtimes Together Gala. 

This annual benefit gala supports the work of the nonprofit Henry Kapono Foundation and will feature performances from Henry Kapono, Kalapana, Jerry Santos, Kamuela Kimokeo, and artists from the foundation’s On The Rise Program. The event includes a four-course dinner and will take place at ‘Alohilani Resort, Waikiki Beach. Individual tickets cost $250. ASD is sponsoring the event. 

This free community event is part of Aloha Festivals and brings entertainers like the Mākaha Sons, Hoʻokena, Anthony Pfluke, Kamaka Camarillo, Baba Tavares and more to Waikīkī. The event is expected to bring 

more than 10,000 participants to Waikīkī,

 according to permits filed with the Department of Transportation Services for the City and County of Honolulu. There will be vendors and food trucks. Free. 

Catch Windward Community College’s Paniolo Barbecue. 

This event held by Windward Community College takes place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Great Lawn and features live music, hula, ʻono barbecue plates, a petting zoo, a limu touch tank, bull roping, a country market and more. There will be local vendors and games for keiki. Horse rides will be offered by the veterinary technology program. The entertainment line-up includes Hawaiʻi Loa with special guest Greg Sardinha on steel guitar, Kamuela Kimokeo, The Blue Grass Shack Band, Hālau Hula ʻo Kukunaokala and Hālau Nā Pualei O Likolehua. Lina Girl, an alumna of the college, will be the emcee.

 Proceeds from the barbecue benefit the college’s advancement fund to support educational opportunities and student success initiatives. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Sunday, Sept. 20"}]

Ready to celebrate a special occasion? Or just looking for an excuse to brunch? Check out Roy’s Hawaiʻi Kai, which just launched its Sunday brunch, which it had previously offered only for special occasions, such as Mother’s Day. 

 Send us your pictures of sunrises, sunsets and more. Submitted photos may be featured in our reader submission series called Hawaiʻi Skies. Tell what you saw and why it was special. 

The Mākaha Sons and Henry Kapono

<title>Hoʻolauleʻa, Mid-Autumn Festival, and more: Your guide to the weekend on Oʻahu</title>

Listen to live music at Hoʻolauʻleʻa in Waikīkī, watch a sea turtle crafted from recycled cardboard float across the stage at Hawaiʻi Theatre, or create a lantern at the Mid-Autumn Festival in Chinatown. Ready to make plans for the weekend? Aloha State Daily has you covered!

Hoʻolauleʻa, Mid-Autumn Festival, and more: Your guide to the weekend on Oʻahu

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Smile 26 9 15

<title>Daily Smile: Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026</title>

How to achieve your goals....

Daily Smile: Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026

OHA's Ka Wai Ola is a free, monthly newspaper of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Read more at 

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