Celebrate Queen Liliuokalani’s Birthday at Dole Park

The Lanai community is welcome to celebrate the legacy of Queen Liliuokalani at Dole Park on Sept. 23 with food, games, crafts and entertainment.

The Liliuokalani Trust, a statewide organization devoted to carrying on the Queen’s mission to serve vulnerable children and families in Hawaii, is commemorating the Queen’s 179th birthday throughout September with events on each island.

The Trust has an established history on Lanai. Traditionally it celebrates the Queen’s birthday every year with the children and families who benefit from the Trust. This year all are welcome to attend the gathering, which will feature local music and family-friendly fun.

Entertainment and education

Keiki and opio from the Trust’s after-school program, E Lei Hoi, will perform an oli and hula. Uncle Dale Kupua and his band will provide music throughout the event, which runs from 4–8 p.m.

In between sets, Anakala Iokepa DeSantos, cultural advisor for the Liliuokalani Trust, will share his knowledge about the Queen’s life — who she was, and how she helped the people of Hawaii.

Food, crafts and games

The event is also an opportunity for beneficiaries of Queen Liliuokalani’s Trust to share their talents and creations with the community.

Seven booths will feature homemade meals and treats, such as:

• Ulu chowder
• Lau lau plates
• Ribs
• Malasadas and baked goods

There will be other delicious dishes at the food booths cooked by Trust beneficiaries. Seven additional booths will sell jewelry, baby clothes and other crafts created by beneficiaries.

“It’s an opportunity for the people we work with to try their hand at entrepreneurship and develop their economic opportunities,” said Kehaulani Padilla, event organizer and licensed social worker for Lanai. “While the Trust is providing the tents and programming, the event is a venue for our beneficiaries to showcase and sell their creations.”

Attendees can also support the LHES Foundation, which will be running game booths to fundraise for athletics and other student needs.

“I’d love for everyone to come, there’s going to be great food and crafts. It’s a celebration for our Queen,” said Padilla.

Queen Liliuokalani Birthday Celebration

Sept. 23, 2017
4–8 p.m.
Dole Park