The annual Kalani Ali’i Awards are presented to our priceless cultural treasures.

Past Recipients

11th Annual Kalani Aliʻi Awards, 2016:

Saturday Sept. 10, 2016, Mānoa Grand Ballroom, Japanese Cultural Center Luncheon

• Julian Keikilani Ako
• Maria Keahinuilapalapakawahineokalua Ah Yat Artis (posthumously)
• Jimmy Borges (posthumously)
• Kahu Willowdean Gomes
• Doreen Kaleookanakaokapailaka Rose Henderson
• Elizabeth Kauila Poaha Reyes

10th Annual Kalani Aliʻi Awards, 2015:

Saturday Sept. 12, 2015, Mānoa Grand Ballroom, Japanese Cultural Center Luncheon

• Dr. Richard Kekuni Akana Blaisdell
• Dr. Claire Hughes
• Auntie Jalna Keala
• Robert “Bob” Edward Lin Nelson
• Kupuna Minerva Kalauhiwaokalani Malakaua Higa Pang
• Order of Kalani Ali’i: Royal Hawaiian Band

9th Annual Kalani Aliʻi Awards, 2014:

Saturday Sept. 6, 2014, Mānoa Grand Ballroom, Japanese Cultural Center Luncheon

• Edward Akana
• Paulette Kahalepuna
• Fred & Sam Kamaka
• Nina Keali’iwahamana
• Rachel Kanoelani McGuire
• Auntie Bobbi Mills

8th Annual Kalani Aliʻi Awards, 2013:

Saturday Sept. 7, 2013, Mānoa Grand Ballroom, Japanese Cultural Center Luncheon

• Senator Daniel K. Inouye
• Mildred Lehuanui McColgan
• Aletha Kaohi
• Alice Pualeilani Kana’e Hewett
• Kahu David Ka’upu
• The Order of Kalani Aliʻi: Lunalilo Trust

7th Annual Kalani Aliʻi Awards, 2012:

Saturday Sept. 8, 2012, Mānoa Grand Ballroom, Japanese Cultural Center Luncheon

• E. Nickie Ahuna Hines
• Dr. Michael J. Chun
• Dr. Adrienne Lois Kaeppeler
• Richard M. Towill
• The Leo Nahenahe Singers
• The Order of Kalani Ali’i: Kamehameha Schools

6th Annual Kalani Aliʻi Awards, 2011:

Saturday Sept. 6, 2011, Mānoa Grand Ballroom, Japanese Cultural Center Luncheon

• Edward Akana
• Paulette Kahalepuna
• Fred & Sam Kamaka
• Nina Keali’iwahamana
• Rachel Kanoelani McGuire
• Auntie Bobbi Mills

5th Annual Kalani Aliʻi Awards, 2010:

Saturday Sept. 4, 2010, Mānoa Grand Ballroom, Japanese Cultural Center Luncheon

• Edwin Mahiai Beamer
• Dr. Charles Pe’ape’a Makawalu Burrows
• Arline Wainaha Kuuleialoha Brede Eaton
• Ane Kelley Kanahele
• Leianaikaroselaniomaui Woodside

4th Annual Kalani Aliʻi Awards, 2009:

Saturday July 11, 2009 Hale Koa Hotel luncheon

• U.S. Senator Daniel Kahikina Akaka
• Rev. Ida Keli’iokalani (Hanapi) Chun
• Rev. William HiiakaikapolioPele Kaina
• Larry Linsey Kauanoe Kimura
• Adelaide Kaiwi (Kuamu) Sylva

3rd Annual Kalani Aliʻi Awards, 2008:

Saturday May 16, 2008 Hibiscus Ballroom, Ala Moana Hotel dinner

• Mary Louise Kaleonahenahe Kekuewa
• Winona Kealamapuana Ellis Rubin
• Niklaus R. Schweizer
• Edith Kawelohea McKinzie
• David Merritt Peters

2nd Annual Kalani Aliʻi Awards, 2007:

Saturday May 19, 2007 Pacific Beach Hotel

• Patience Elmay K. Wiggin Bacon
• Mary Kawaiho’ouluoha’ao Craver
• Elizabeth Kawohiokalani Ellis Jenkins
• Brother Franklin Ka’imi’ikepono Pao, S.M.
• James Ka’upena Wong

1st Annual Kalani Aliʻi Awards, 2006:

Held with Convention, Friday, July 21, 22, 23, 2006, Dinner, Ala Moana Hotel

• Venus Gay Holt
• Charlotte Kawa’aholo
• Scott Clarke
• Kahu Samuel Saffery
• Edward T. Kaanana
• Dr. Isabella Aiona Abbott