Community Calendar

The Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives (HMH) invites the community to experience “Mele Tūtū: Songs of our Grandparents”, the next installment of HMH’s acclaimed Mele Program. “Mele Tūtū invites guests to look closely at the memories and songs of our grandparents and great-grandparents’ generation from the 1930s/1940s. Connection to our kūpuna, our elders, helps us to maintain the genealogies, histories, and mana of generations that we revere today. Expressed through mele (song), oli (chant), and hula (dance), Mele Tūtū embodies the enduring principle of Mālama Kūpuna: caring for our elders and those whose wisdom and values we all rely upon in our present day lives.

In the 1930s and 1940s -- the time of our grandparents and great-grandparents -- live music performances and radio broadcasts were important ways of sharing local music not only across the islands, but also to the Continental U.S. and further abroad. Radio shows such as “Hawaiʻi Calls” and “Territorial Airwaves,” its descendant program in the 1970s and 1980s, helped to broadcast Hawaiian music, mele, and culture to people otherwise unfamiliar with Hawaiʻi, its history, or its people. Orchestras playing hapa-haole music, jazz, and other forms of popular Hawaiian music were instrumental in connecting people across the airwaves.

For many kamaʻāina, the mele and hula of the 1930s and 1940s are direct connections to their ancestors who danced hula, played in world-renowned touring Hawaiian bands, and kept the memory and music of previous generations alive in new contemporary ways for the time period. These mele and hula evoke memories of family musicians in the yard or on the lānai, at family gatherings, and times when kūpuna would share the knowledge and history of the family with younger generations. It brings back memories of joy, happiness, fun, and genuine connection between family members.

WORLD-CLASS CULTURAL PRACTITIONERS

Mele Tūtū: Songs of our Grandparents will be brought to life by the renowned musicians and dancers of Hālau Hula Kamamolikolehua under the skilled leadership of Kumu Pōhai Souza, and Hālau Mele under the direction of Kumu Sam ʻOhu Gon III and Kumu Māhealani Wong. Together, these celebrated cultural practitioners will weave historical and contemporary expressions through performances that illuminate the enduring responsibility of every generation to honor and remember the lives of our kūpuna.

Step into Hawai'i's longest-running holiday tradition at the 55th Annual Holiday Craft Fair, hosted by Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives on Saturday, November 28, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is free, and all are welcome to come shop and take a historic tour!
As Honolulu's oldest craft fair, this beloved event showcases the best of locally made artistry, featuring more than 40 Hawai'i-based vendors and 100% island-crafted goods. From hand-blown glass and custom jewelry to woodwork, pottery, artistic silk scarves, photography, and original artwork, shoppers will discover one-of-a-kind treasures perfect for holiday gift-giving.
SPECIAL OFFER: Historic Site Tours Available
Make your visit extra special by reserving one of four exclusive 75-minute guided tours, including the historic printing press at the "birthplace" of the printed Hawaiian language. Explore the 1821 Frame House (Ka Hale Lāʻau) and 1831 Chamberlain House (Ka Hale Kamalani)—the two oldest Western-style structures in Hawai'i. Space is limited to 15 guests per tour—advance reservations recommended.
Tour Admission:
● General Admission: $20 per person
● Kama'aina, Seniors (65+) & Military: $15 per person
● Students/Keiki with student ID: $10 per person
● Groups (10+): Call to book
Reserve your tour at least 24 hours in advance. Same-day reservations and walk-ins accepted based on availability. Get tickets at: www.missionhouses.org

Why Attend:
● Shop early, stress less: Beat the holiday rush with unique, handcrafted gifts
● Support local artists: Meet the makers and hear the stories behind their creations
● Explore historic grounds: Stroll the beautiful one-acre site surrounding Hawai'i's oldest Western-style houses and authentic grass hale
● Family-friendly: An event for all ages in the heart of downtown Honolulu
Event Details:
● Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026
● FREE ENTRY!!
● Time: 8:30 AM–3 PM
● Location: Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives, downtown Honolulu
● Food & Bev: John's World Famous Hawaiian Hot Dogs (includes veggie options) & Da ‘Cuterie
● Parking: Metered street parking and Fasi Building Municipal Parking lot

Join us for a day of community, culture, and island craftsmanship!