The He Hali‘a Aloha No Lili‘uokalani Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in Hilo’s Lili‘uokalani Gardens.
“We’re excited to carry on the tradition of celebrating Hawaii’s queen and the rich history of our island home,” said Mayor Mitch Roth in a press release. “These events, free to our community, provide safe spaces where we can come together to enjoy fun, culture, and connection. We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners for their unwavering collaboration in making this possible each year, and to our dedicated team in the Culture and Arts Division.”
The festival — which celebrates the queen’s birthday and pays tribute to the historical significance of Lili‘uokalani Gardens — will include music, hula, arts, crafts, food, demonstrations, children’s games and cultural activities.
Hundreds of dancers will perform a mass hula as floral blossoms are dropped from a helicopter provided by the Hawaii County Fire Department.
Darlene Ahuna, Taishoji Taiko, Just Us Band, and Ben Kaili &Kanakapila will provide entertainment throughout the day.
Overflow public parking will be available at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium parking lot, and the Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council will provide free shuttle services to the festival.
Lihiwai Street, from Banyan Drive to Isles, is currently closed to vehicular traffic through 6 p.m. on Saturday.
In partnership with the county, 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. The entertainment, featuring Hawaiian music and hula performance, begins at 12 p.m. and continues into the evening.
The festival shuttle route will include service between The Grand Naniloa (curbside at Banyan Drive) and Lili‘uokalani Gardens Tea House.
The county invites the public to attend this alcohol-, drug- and litter-free event coordinated in collaboration with private enterprises, community organizations, and numerous government agencies.
More information may be obtained by calling the Department of Parks &Recreation’s Culture &Education Division at (808) 961-8706.
