Ola Ka I Kona: A Celebration of Hawaiian Language and Community at Keauhou Shopping Center

Experience ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi through hula, mele, oli and interactive activities for all ages on March 7.

KEAUHOU, HAWAIʻI (February 25, 2026) – Celebrate and experience ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi at Ola Ka ʻĪ Kona on Saturday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Keauhou Shopping Center. This finale of the 2026 Ola Ka ʻĪ statewide Hawaiian language fair series is hosted by Kanaeokana members, Ke Kula ʻo ʻEhunuikaimalino, Ka Laʻi a ʻEhu and Pūnana Leo o Kona, along with Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha. Haumāna, kumu, ʻohana and community members are invited to engage with the Hawaiian language through hands-on activities, oli, mele, hula, storytelling and competitions in Hawaiian language speech, music and art.

Ola Ka ʻĪ began six years ago on Oʻahu to encourage keiki and ʻohana to use ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi in everyday spaces—places where it isn’t typically heard. This year’s finale is especially meaningful in Keauhou, the birthplace of Kauikeaouli, Kamehameha III, an aliʻi who championed education for the Hawaiian Kingdom, shaping literacy and knowledge across the kingdom.

“Hawaiian culture–based education provides a strong foundation for haumāna to grow as ʻŌiwi leaders,” said Manuwai Peters, senior coordinating project manager with Kealaiwikuamo‘o at Kamehameha Schools. “At Ola Ka ʻĪ events across Hawaiʻi, they build upon that foundation by sharing ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, strengthening Native Hawaiian identity and advancing the well-being of our lāhui.”

Attendees can explore a variety of interactive experiences, including Kahua Aʻo, a pop-up keiki learning center in the ASU Local space, student language and music performances, games information booths and intergenerational learning opportunities across all fluency levels. A commemorative stamp card activity allows participants to collect stamps at stations while learning about Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani’s life and leadership on her 200th birthday. Families are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the full program and stay until the end for the announcement of the competition winners. All activities are free and open to the public, with ample parking available.

“Keauhou Shopping Center is proud to be a gathering place where our community comes together in celebration of the history, culture and language,” said Stephen Hicks, general manager of Keauhou Shopping Center. “By supporting events that uplift education and perpetuate Hawaiian culture, we help strengthen pilina and create meaningful opportunities for our keiki and ‘ohana to learn and grow together.”

For more information about Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawai‘i and upcoming events, visit mahinaolelohawaii.org.

About Kanaeokana
Kanaeokana is a network of over 160 Hawaiian language, culture, and ‘āina-based organizations that seeks to strengthen the lāhui and nurture the next generations of aloha ‘āina leaders by collaboratively developing and growing a Native Hawaiian education system built on a strong ʻōlelo Hawai‘i and ʻike Hawai‘i foundation. Visit kanaeokana.net.

About KS Kaiāulu
KS Kaiāulu continues the half-century commitment of Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha to providing educational opportunities to students beyond its campuses and preschools. Today, KS Kaiāulu brings together Kamehameha’s and community partners’ rich Hawaiian culture, ʻōlelo and ʻāina-focused opportunities to grow ʻōiwi leaders – people who use their knowledge, skill and passion to strengthen Hawaiʻi, its people, and our global community. For more information, visit www.ksbe.edu/kaiaulu and connect via Instagram (@kskaiaulu).

About Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha
Founded in 1887 through the will of Ke Ali‘i Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop, Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha is a private, educational, charitable trust dedicated to empowering Native Hawaiians in perpetuity by improving the well-being of our people through education. We envision our haumāna, strong in E Ola!, grounded in Hawaiian and Christian values, succeeding in post-secondary education and contributing as ʻōiwi leaders to a thriving and self-determined lāhui. For more information, visit www.ksbe.edu and connect via Instagram and Facebook (@kamehamehaschools), TikTok (@kamehameha.schools), and X (@ksnews).

About Keauhou Shopping Center
Located along Ali‘i Drive in Kailua-Kona, Keauhou Shopping Center is the centerpiece of Keauhou Resort, a modern getaway known for its rich Hawaiian history and natural beauty. The center offers a unique shopping experience with opportunities to learn about the area’s heritage through mele, hula and other educational programs. Keauhou Shopping Center is home to a collection of island entrepreneurs, national retail brands, restaurants and professional services. As part of ‘Āina Pauahi—lands and properties owned and stewarded by Kamehameha Schools—Keauhou Shopping Center is essential in generating support for the schoolsʼ educational mission through revenue and programming. For more information, visit www.keauhoushoppingcenter.com.