It’s that time of year!
To honor Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani’s 198th birthday we’re celebrating with Day at Huliheʻe Palace during ka Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, Hawaiian Language Month! This year’s 41st anniversary of the festival will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024 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 this year’s Hawaiian Quilt Drawing Winner, Robert Rye! Consolation prizes were also awarded, 1st Runner-up Ulalia Lee received a dress by Living Hula, while 2nd Runner-up Sharon Lyons Grounds received a Huliheʻe Palace travel mug! Congratulations to all winners and mahalo to all who entered the prize drawing–we look forward to seeing you all next year!
Enter for your chance to win a California King Size Hawaiian Quilt with Two Shams in the very special Kāhili and Fan design. Signifying the arrival of royalty, kāhili were often held in the front and back of processions of the aliʻi. Traditionally, the hulu (feather) of a kāhili were untwined, each part being properly stored until its’ next use. Serving as symbols of royalty, many kāhili can be found at the places of aliʻi, such as Huliheʻe Palace or Hānaiakamalama. The pattern of this quilt is in navy blue on off-white, 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 for your chance to win a California King Size Hawaiian Quilt with Two Shams! Suggested $5 donation per ticket. Winner must be 18 years or older and live in the United States. The Drawing will take place and the winner will be notified on Feb. 10, 2024.
NO PURCHASE OR DONATION NECESSARY TO ENTER TO WIN. A PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. To enter the Prize Drawing without a donation, send a postcard with your name, email, and phone number to: Daughters of Hawaiʻi, Attn: Quilt Drawing, 75-5718 Aliʻi Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. Limited to one entry per day. Postcards must be received by Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024 by 2:00 PM HST.
FESTIVAL ENTRY
All entrances will be open at 8:30 AM at Huliheʻe Palace, 75-5718 Aliʻi Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi 96740.
Palace Tours
Attending the festival is free of charge. Tickets to self-tour the Palace can be purchased online or at the door. Ticketed guests may enter the Palace Museum at anytime during the Festival for self-touring, Tours are not redeemable for another date.
Attire
We recommend everyone dress comfortably and casually. Out of respect for our aliʻi, torsos must be fully covered before entering the Palace Museum. Sunblock, hats, and visors are highly recommended while enjoying the festival.
Parking
Parking on-site is unavailable at Huliheʻe Palace. Kailua-Kona has limited free parking and paid lots, we highly recommend carpooling, public transportation, or ride-shares like Uber and Lyft.
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.
9:00 AM Blessing & Oli with Kumu Keala Ching
9:30 AM Keoni Thompson
10:00 AM Kenny Tagavilla
11:00 AM Hālau Kalaʻakeakauikawekiu with Kumu Hula Kenneth Aloha Victor
11:30 AM Hālau Maunalei with Kumu Hula Lehua Bray
12:00 PM Hālau Nā Pua Uʻi O Hawaiʻi with Kumu Hula Etua Lopes
12:30 PM Miss Kona Coffee & Little Miss Kona Coffee
1:00 PM Kamakani O Ka Moku ‘Āina Performing Arts Academy
1:30 PM Kealakehe High School Polynesian Club
2:00 PM Closing
Vendors
Our Day at Huliheʻe Palace Mākeke is back! 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.
CHECK BACK FREQUENTLY FOR THE LATEST FESTIVAL INFORMATION AND OFFERINGS!
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.