More than 2,000 people are expected to gather at Honolulu’s Blaisdell Center next week for the 25th annual Native Hawaiian Convention, where cultural celebration and political advocacy will converge as Native Hawaiian leaders confront growing challenges to Hawaiian-focused programs and move toward greater economic sovereignty and self-determination.
Returning to Oahu for the first time in five years, the Hawaiian Council-hosted convention will draw attendees from across Hawaii and the continental U.S. The weeklong gathering begins today with cultural workshops and community events, followed by discussions Tuesday and Wednesday on issues ranging from artificial intelligence and disaster recovery to legal challenges facing Native Hawaiian institutions and proposals for greater economic sovereignty. The convention concludes with the annual Queen Lili‘uokalani Keiki Hula Competition at the Blaisdell Arena held Thursday to Saturday .
The convention is organized by the Kapolei- based Hawaiian Council, formerly known as the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.
As 133 Hawaiian flags line Ward Avenue and King Street around the Blaisdell Center, marking the 133 years since the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, convention organizers say the gathering comes at a pivotal moment for Native Hawaiians.
While attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion programs have threatened Native Hawaiian-focused initiatives, Hawaiian Council CEO Kuhio Lewis said the fight is about more than race-based policies.
“Native Hawaiians for many generations have fought to be recognized, not just as a race, but as a political class,” Lewis said, noting lawsuits involving Kamehameha Schools, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Papa Ola Lokahi Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program.
Opening day will begin with a performance of “Ka Na‘i Aupuni,” a mele lahui celebrating Hawaiian identity, unity and sovereignty. Lewis will deliver opening remarks, and Gov. Josh Green is scheduled to give the keynote address. The program also includes “Eo ka Lahui – The Threat to our Hawaiian Trusts,” a panel on challenges facing Native Hawaiian programs and their implications for self-determination and community well-being.
Lewis said the convention helps equip attendees to advocate for Native Hawaiian interests in their own communities.
Lewis said this year’s theme of “Ho‘olokahi. Ho‘okupa‘a. Ho‘oholomua” emphasizes the importance of solidarity and unifying around core Hawaiian values to move forward.
“I think the diaspora of Hawaiians who have moved all over – I think they’re all very much homesick,” said Lewis. “They want to be connected to Hawaii’s culture, Hawaii’s people. You know, it’s where they come from.”
More than half of Native Hawaiians now live outside Hawaii, a reality that convention organizers say makes maintaining cultural and political connections increasingly important.
For Lewis, economic sovereignty is the primary force to bring his people home.
Lewis said one economic channel with potential is Indigenous gaming models — casinos as a catalyst for Native Hawaiian self- determination.
Brandon Maka’awa’awa, vice-president of the Nation of Hawai’i, will participate in a panel called “Betting on Economic Sovereignty” at the convention on Tuesday.
Maka‘awa‘awa said gaming could help address economic imbalances driven by industries such as tourism and the military.
“Anytime a new industry comes to Hawaii, Hawaiians need to be involved and they need to lead it,” he said. “We’ve shown after 1,500 years that we‘re the only ones that know how to steward a system.”
Native Hawaiian Convention
Convention programming is open to registered attendees only.
>> Hawaiian Council members: $230
>> Non-members:$305
>> Corporate packages: $1,020
>> Tickets also include entrance to the Queen Lili‘uokalani Miss & Master Keiki Hula competition from Thursday to Saturday.
>> A separate $25 admission is required for the throwback concert featuring H‘onu‘a, Mana‘o Company, Natural Vibes and Kapena.
>> Find the Convention agenda here: www.hawaiian council.org/2026-convention-agenda/
