Learn About The Holiday
Dr. Kekuni Blaisdell
Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea Founder
The Moʻolelo Behind the Event
In 1985, Hawaiian patriot, Dr. Kekuni Blaisdell, renowned leader of the modern Hawaiian movement, reestablished the celebration of Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea, Sovereignty Restoration Day, at Thomas Square, as a vehicle to reclaim and restore Hawaiian independence.
Through decades of grassroots organization, the renewed observance of Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea was cultivated into a unique space for independence dialogue and education on critical Hawaiian issues and also served as a platform to rally commitments to civil action.
In 2005, the organizing responsibility was passed to new leadership to move this event into the next generation. Since that time, Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea has grown each year, becoming a significant community event with hundreds of participants and followers, new and old, from around the world.
We have placed a conscious focus on the celebratory spirit of Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea and expanded the event beyond a one day celebration at Thomas Square into several community hosted events taking place throughout the month of July with partners sharing the same message and spirit of this special Hawaiian independence holiday.
The Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea celebrations are free, public events that are organized by teachers, students, activists, farmers, artists, scholars, entrepreneurs and families who have dedicated years to this celebration.
Raising Awareness,
Building Community
LHE-Honolulu’s overarching goal is to create free public education and cultural programming focused on Hawaiian national-level and community-level independence. The July series strengthens the diverse and multi-talented network of independence-minded people and organizations.
Events in the series raise awareness about the historical significance of LHE while also building community capacity to exercise Ea Hawaiʻi today and into the future.
A Series of Events in July
LHE Honolulu is the longest-running, grassroots organized Hawaiian independence event, and the current organizing team has expanded it from a single day to a full month of activities that reach different audiences through a range of events.
The expansion of LHE from a single-day event into a series of celebrations throughout July has substantially broadened our reach over the years. Last year, we reached about 2,000 people through face-to-face programming. This year, we are continuing to offer a mix of in-person and virtual events and opportunities.
Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea 2020 at Thomas Square
We invite you to visit our YouTube channel and immerse yourself in the captivating world of our past events. Join us as we take you on a journey of celebration, discovery, and inspiration. Subscribe to our channel today and be the first to access our latest recap videos, ensuring you never miss a beat.