On January 4, 2026, Hawaiʻi will mark the 50th anniversary of the historic Kahoʻolawe landing, a defining moment in the modern Hawaiian movement when nine courageous activists — later known as the Kahoʻolawe Nine — defied U.S. military control and set foot on Kahoʻolawe to protest decades of bombing that had devastated the island and desecrated sacred lands.
To honor this milestone, the community is invited to a free, all-ages public event at Hawaiian Brian’s on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The celebration brings together music, film, community organizations, and cultural expression to reflect on the legacy of Kahoʻolawe and the movements it inspired.
Doors open at 4:00 p.m. with community booths, nonprofit organizations, and specialty vendors offering commemorative items throughout the evening. HI Finest will release a special, limited-edition Kahoʻolawe 50th Anniversary clothing collection, created to honor the legacy of the landing and the enduring spirit of aloha ʻāina. Additional nonprofit partners will sell anniversary-themed items, with proceeds supporting community-based cultural, environmental, and justice initiatives.
The event will include a Kahoʻolawe video tribute and historic reflections honoring those who risked everything to protect the island.
Music anchors the celebration, with performances by Raiātea Helm and Ledward Kaʻapana, Jerry Santos, Kealamauloa Alcon, and The Vitals 808.
Event Links
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3411673-0
