One of Hawaii Island’s treasured events is the annual He Hali’a Aloha No Lili’uokalani Festival to celebrate the life and legacy of the beloved Hawaiian Queen Lili’uokalani. She was the last reigning monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Her legacy is defined by her unwavering commitment to her people and her peaceful resistance to the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893. A gifted composer and author, she wrote the beloved song Aloha Oe and her autobiography Hawai’i’s Story by Hawai’i’s Queen, preserving the voice and dignity of her nation. Her life remains a symbol of resilience, cultural pride, and the enduring spirit of Hawai’i.
This festival typically takes place on or near Queen Lili’uokalani’s birthday which was September 2, 1838. For 2025, the festival will be held on Saturday, September 6th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The venue for this event is in the beautiful Lili’uokalani Gardens in Hilo on Hawaii’s Big Island. This culturally rich festival will include music, hula, arts, crafts, food, demonstrations, and other cultural activities. Keiki (children) can enjoy games. Darlene Ahuna, Taishoji
Taiko, The Kipapa Sisters, and the Just Us Band will provide entertainment throughout the
day.
One of the special highlights of this festival is the mass hula performance. During this performance thousands of floral blossoms will be dropped from a helicopter provided by the Hawai’i County Fire Department.
Overflow public parking will be available at the Aunty Sally Kaleohano’s Lu’au Hale parking
lot, and the Hawai’i County Economic Opportunity Council will provide free shuttle service to
the festival. Riders will need to provide their own car seats for keiki in compliance with
current safety requirements; no riders will be allowed on laps. Car seats will be held at the
shuttle stop location by staff until families make the return trip.
In partnership with the County of Hawai‘i, and adding to the day’s activities to honor the
Queen’s birthday, The Grand Naniloa Resort will have live entertainment at the Hula
Lounge Lobby Bar and Ka Lihikai Restaurant. The entertainment, featuring The Longakits,
Kamalani Kapeliela, and Stanley & Keoki, begins at 2 p.m. and continues into the evening.
The County of Hawai’i invites the public to attend this alcohol-, drug- and litter-free event coordinated in collaboration with private enterprises, community organizations, and numerous government agencies.
