Get ready for tons of family fun at Lili‘uokalani Gardens in celebration of the queen.
The 19th annual festival celebrating the birthday of the late Queen Lili‘uokalani is slated for Sept. 8 at the gardens on Banyan Drive in Hilo. The queen’s 180th birthday is Sunday (Sept. 2).
Starting at 10 a.m., He Hali‘a Aloha No Lili‘uokalani will offer a full day of children’s games and activities, crafts and demonstrations, live entertainment, a tea ceremony, food trucks and more. The signature event is hula performed en masse by halau from around the island.
Lessons are offered to anyone wanting to dance Lili‘u E and O Makalapua by LeiManu Halau at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Church of the Holy Apostles on Kapiolani Street. In addition, Moses Kaho‘okele Crabbe and halau will offer a lesson in Lili‘uokalani Gardens from 10:30 a.m.-noon the day of the festival.
Live entertainment will include Ben Kaili & Kanakapila, Christy Lassiter, Taishoji Taiko, Komakakino, Puna Taiko, Waiakea Ukulele Band and Cymber Quinn, to name a few.
This year’s sponsors are the county Parks and Recreation Department Culture and Education Division, Lili‘uokalani Trust, and Friends of Lili‘uokalani Gardens, with support from the Hawaii Tropical Flowers Council, KAPA and KWXX.