The 181st anniversary celebration of Hawaiian Sovereignty Restoration at Thomas Square, Honolulu will be another exciting family fun day full of ono food, educational presentations and speakers, cultural sharing, games and activities for the kids, community discussions on important Hawaiian issues, organizational networking and a free independence Hawaiian concert all day. This year LHE Honolulu is proud to honor two kanaka maoli men who have impacted the lahui with their life’s work and dedication: Sparky Rodrigues and Leandra Wai. Come celebrate the eyes and voice of the lahui as we spend another beautiful day together honoring the significance of La Hoihoi Ea, Hawaiian Sovereignty Restoration, for our lahui, with our lahui. E mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono.

The Moʻolelo Behind the Event

In 1985, Hawaiian patriot, Dr. Kekuni Blaisdell, renowned leader of the modern Hawaiian movement, reestablished the celebration of La 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 La 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, La 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 La 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 La 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.

For more information, visit the La Hoʻi Hoʻi Ea website.