The He Haliʻa Aloha No Liliʻuokalani Festival will be held in Hilo’s Liliʻuokalani Gardens Park on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. .

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 Hawaiʻi 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. The HCEOC (Hawaiʻi County Economic Opportunity Council) will provide free shuttle services to the festival. Lihiwai Street, from Banyan Drive to Isles, will be closed to vehicular traffic from 10 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, through 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7.

In a press release Mayor Roth said, “We’re excited to carry on the tradition of celebrating Hawaiʻi’s queen and the rich history of our island home. 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.”

More information may be obtained by calling the Department of Parks & Recreation’s Culture & Education Division at (808) 961-8706.

Photo credit: Office of Mayor Roth