Celebrate Prince Kūhiō Day at Grand Naniloa's Hoʻākea Hilo Lā ʻOhana Day

The free event features a Maritime Career Expo, Waʻa Lauleʻa canoe festival, and hands-on cultural activities.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:37pm

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Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo is hosting Hoʻākea Hilo Lā ʻOhana Day, a free public event on Prince Kūhiō Day that includes a Maritime Career Expo, Waʻa Lauleʻa canoe festival, and various cultural and ʻāina-based activities. Attendees can explore waʻa (canoes), speak with crew members, and connect with local organizations and community leaders.

Why it matters

Hoʻākea Hilo Lā ʻOhana Day is part of the statewide Hoʻākea: Mauka to Makai learning initiative, which aims to inspire curiosity, connection, and kuleana (responsibility) to ʻāina (land) and kai (ocean) while uplifting the next generation of wayfinders, leaders, and aloha ʻāina stewards. The event provides a fun, family-friendly way for the community to engage with Hawaiian culture and traditions.

The details

The Hoʻākea Hilo Lā ʻOhana Day event at Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo features a Maritime Career Expo and Waʻa Lauleʻa, a canoe festival or celebration. Attendees can explore waʻa (canoes) on the hotel's lawn, speak with crew members, and connect with local organizations and community leaders. The event also includes hands-on cultural and ʻāina-based activities.

  • The free event is happening on Thursday, March 26, 2026 until 3 p.m.

The players

Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo

A hotel located at 93 Banyan Drive in Hilo, Hawaii that is hosting the Hoʻākea Hilo Lā ʻOhana Day event.

Hoʻākea: Mauka to Makai

A statewide learning initiative that connects students to Hawaii's land, ocean, and communities through hands-on, place-based learning.

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What they’re saying

“This is a great partnership that helps our students and community connect with ʻāina and voyaging traditions!”

— Hawaiʻi County Department of Recreation

The takeaway

Hoʻākea Hilo Lā ʻOhana Day provides a unique opportunity for families to celebrate Prince Kūhiō Day by engaging with Hawaiian culture and traditions through hands-on activities, exploring canoes, and connecting with the local community.