Thousands Rally in Hilo for 'No Kings' Protest Against Trump

The third annual nationwide 'No Kings' Day of Nonviolent Action draws over 3,200 to Hilo's Bayfront Park.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:05am

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Thousands of protesters gathered in downtown Hilo on Saturday for the third annual 'No Kings' National Day of Nonviolent Action, a nationwide progressive-led rally opposing the Trump administration's policies on immigration, civil rights, the economy, and foreign affairs. The colorful crowd, estimated at over 3,200 people, stretched for three-quarters of a mile along Kamehameha Avenue, with participants carrying creative handmade signs and costumes expressing their discontent with the current political climate.

Why it matters

The 'No Kings' rallies have become a major progressive movement, drawing millions of participants across the country over the past two years to protest the Trump administration's perceived authoritarian tendencies and controversial policies. The large turnout in Hilo reflects the deep divisions within the community and the mainland over the direction of the country under the current president.

The details

The Hilo rally was organized by the Indivisible movement, a nationwide pro-democracy group with chapters in all 50 states. Protesters came from across the Big Island, carrying signs ranging from humorous to obscene that criticized the president, his supporters, and his policies. Participants expressed concerns over issues like the economy, the environment, civil rights, and the ongoing conflict with Iran. Despite the serious nature of the event, the atmosphere was described as joyful, with music, bubbles, and water distribution creating a festive mood.

  • The 'No Kings' rallies have been held annually on June 14 and October 18 since 2025.
  • Saturday's rally in Hilo took place on March 29, 2026.

The players

Indivisible

A nationwide nonpartisan and pro-democracy movement with chapters in all 50 states and nearly a dozen countries, committed to non-violence, voting rights, solidarity and anti-authoritarianism.

Sam Nelson

A 58-year-old Hilo resident and contractor who attended the rally wearing an inflatable Tyrannosaurus Rex costume and holding a sign that read 'TRex + Tyrants Go Extinct'.

Peter Frost

A 72-year-old Hawaiian Paradise Park resident who attended the rally in his classic purple pickup truck, flying 'Free Palestine' and purple peace sign flags.

Nora Dougherty

A 56-year-old teacher at Hamakua Forest School in Laupahoehoe who wore a Statue of Liberty crown and posed for photos with protesters.

Michael Lemons

A 54-year-old Hilo resident who teaches anthropology and social sciences at Hawaii Community College, and attended the rally wearing a green M&M costume with 'm-tifa' emblazoned on it.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not happy with what's going on. I'm unhappy about a variety of things but the war is not good, the killing people in the street in Minneapolis — deploying the troops in Minneapolis — is not good.”

— Sam Nelson, Hilo resident and contractor

“We no longer have control of our county. Both parties, they both suck. They're both owned. Until we get a hold on Citizen's United, on AIPAC as a foreign agent, they'll keep dragging us into wars.”

— Peter Frost, Hawaiian Paradise Park resident

“I came out to protest but also connect and be with people who want peace and justice and democracy. Given our weather and everything, I'm proud of our Hilo town, it's great.”

— Nora Dougherty, Hamakua Forest School teacher

“This is the first time in my life, the first presidency that I've been motivated to actually make a physical presence in protesting about.”

— Michael Lemons, Hawaii Community College professor

“We fought Nazis back when they took over Germany, and we'll fight them here, too.”

— Tyler Charles Gardiner, Self-identified ANTIFA member

What’s next

Organizers have announced that the next 'No Kings' National Day of Nonviolent Action will be held on June 14, 2026.

The takeaway

The large turnout and passionate displays at the 'No Kings' rally in Hilo reflect the deep political divisions and growing resistance to the Trump administration's policies within the local community and across the country. The protesters' commitment to nonviolent action and democratic values underscores the strength of the grassroots progressive movement.