Welo Ka Hae Hawaiʻi – Celebrating Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea

Welo Ka Hae Hawaiʻi – Celebrating Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea
Friday, July 31, 2026
Flagpole Lawn | Gallery Lawns | Hawaiian Hall Complex
5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
FREE with registration

In partnership with Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea, Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum celebrates ko Hawaiʻi Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea, Sovereignty Restoration Day.

Established on July 31,1843, by Kauikeaouli, King Kamehameha III, Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea became one of the first national holidays of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Marking the return of political power to the government of King Kamehameha III after the British temporarily seized control of Hawai‘i in 1843, Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea was celebrated with great pride throughout the 19th century. Celebrations included large community gatherings and formal affairs hosted by the King himself. In the words of Kamehameha III, who proclaimed on this day, “Ua mau ke ea o ka ʻāina i ka pono,” the sovereignty of this land shall endure in perpetuity, as justice demands.

Join us for a reenactment of the flag raising of July 31, 1843, followed by an evening of mele, conversations, community partner interactions, mea ʻai and more contemporary expressions of ea in observance of this national holiday of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Hawaiian Hall Complex will remain open through 8:00 p.m.
Science Adventure Center and Castle Memorial Building will close at 5:00 p.m.

5:00 pm
Welo ka Hae Hawaiʻi
Flag raising reenactment with Imai Winchester & reenactors of the Hawaiʻi Civil War Roundtable
Flagpole Lawn (near the Museum’s Bernice Street Gate)

5:30 p.m.
Mea ʻai service begins
Provided by Hale Kealoha
Gallery Lawn Ma Kai
While supplies last.

5:45 p.m.
Wehena
Hula with Nā Pua ʻĀhihi Lehua Mai Pihanakalani, Kumu Hula ‘Auli’i L. Heine Hirahara
Gallery Lawn Stage

6:15 p.m.
Expressions of Ea
Reflections on the current state of ea and words of inspiration , featuring the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana and other special guests.
Gallery Lawn Stage

6:30 pm
Puka Mai Ka Manō!: Remembering Our Relationships with Sharks
J. M. Long Gallery | Hawaiian Hall Complex

An essential part of our collective ea is the prioritization of traditional forms of knowledge and learning. In conjunction with Ea Mai ʻEiwa: Patterns of Practice, Kanaka ʻŌiwi scholars Noelani Puniwai and Kaikea Nakachi will share about how their scientific research and conservation efforts are informed by Indigenous understandings of manō as ʻaumakua. This talk story will be moderated by Sarah Kuaiwa, Bishop Museum Curator for Hawaiian and Pacific Arts and Culture.

7:00 pm
Live music with Hōlei
Gallery Lawn Stage

Header photo. Inside-cover illustration and excerpt dated July 31, 1843 (p. 91) from the journal of then 11 year-old Bernice Pauahi Pākī, documenting her experiences during her time as a student at the Chiefs’ Children’s School. Ke Aliʻi Pauahi records going to Kulaokahuʻa and rejoicing upon the lowering of the English flag and the re-hoisting of the hae Hawaiʻi, marking the rightful return of the sovereignty of Hawaiʻi. MS MC Pauahi 1.1, Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum.