TULALIP, Washington (HawaiiNewsNow) – The final day of the 2025 Native Hawaiian Convention brought heartfelt emotion from those attending the four-day event.
“It’s such an amazing feeling to be around this many kanaka with a shared vision of a lahui and about kulana and about kuleana,” said Napua Lokelani Kamakele, a Native Hawaiian business owner living in Washington, D.C.
Discussion groups tackled major issues facing Native Hawaiians today, including indigenous rights, federal recognition, gambling as a source of revenue, and community safety.
Participants said the convention offered opportunities to reflect on their cultural identity.
“My biggest takeaway from this convention is Hawaii kipuka,” said cultural practitioner Pualeilani Komohoahoa. “(It) means to reconnect and be closer to your resource.”
“It’s really funny to be kanaka maoli, but come to Washington in order to do it as well,” she added.
Convention guests could also enjoy entertainment with daily live performances, hula, and Hawaiian music.
One of the highlights was a concert on Wednesday night featuring Kapena, High Watah, and Common Kings.
The convention ended with a cultural exchange between Hawaii and Tulalip, followed by closing remarks from the Hawaiian Council.
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