TULALIP – The countdown is on! The 2025 Native Hawaiian Convention begins in just one week, October 6–9, 2025, at the Tulalip Resort Casino in Tulalip, Washington. With more than 1,000 people already registered, the Hawaiian Council urges its lāhui and supporters to register today.
Washington is home to the third-largest Native Hawaiian population in the country, with many second- and third-generation families now calling the Pacific Northwest home. The convention provides an important space for them to come together, strengthen ties to their culture, and connect with Indigenous relatives. In addition, the wider Washington community is invited to experience the culture of Hawai‘i through the convention’s marketplace.
The Hawaiian Council’s Nā Mea Hawai‘i + The Mākeke will showcase more than 800 unique products representing more than 100 Hawai‘i small businesses. Marketplace highlights include exclusive collaborations and limited-edition items from top designers and brands such as Manaola, Kini Zamora, Sig Zane, Fitted, Hawai‘i’s Finest, and Salvage Public. Other items available include fresh poi, traditional and modern accessories, fashion, snacks, books, and artwork.
Located in the Grand Promenade of the Tulalip Resort Casino, the marketplace will be open: Monday, Oct. 6, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, Oct. 7, and Wednesday, Oct. 8, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Thursday, Oct. 9, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
“As Native Hawaiians continue to make their lives on the continent, this convention is a chance to come together, strengthen our lāhui, and connect with our Indigenous relatives across the Pacific Northwest,” said Kūhiō Lewis, CEO of the Hawaiian Council. “Washington is home to a large and growing Hawaiian community, and hosting on Tulalip land allows us to deepen bonds with other Indigenous peoples while celebrating culture and charting a strong future together.”
The convention will feature engaging sessions on cultural preservation, housing, policy, education, and economic development. The opening-day plenary on Tuesday, Oct. 7, will include a special talk-story session on the Apple TV+ series Chief of War. Co-creator, executive producer, and writer Thomas Paʻa Sibbett, who grew up in Hawaiʻi and now resides in Washington state, will have a conversation about bringing the story of Hawaiʻi’s unification to the screen. The landmark series, starring Jason Momoa as warrior chief Kaʻiana, showcases the power of Hawaiian voices and perspectives in global storytelling. He will explore the creative process behind the show and envision future projects that continue to center Native Hawaiian narratives.
Adding to this year’s excitement, the world premiere preview of “The Epic Tale of Hiʻiaka” will take place during the second-day plenary session on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. Presented in partnership with WitzEnd Productions, this Broadway-caliber performance marks the first time the centuries-old legend of Hiʻiakaikapoliopele will be shared in this way.
WHAT: 2025 Native Hawaiian Convention, presented by the Hawaiian Council
WHEN: Oct. 6–9, 2025
*Pre-Convention Cultural Workshops on Monday, Oct. 6
WHERE: Tulalip Resort Casino
10200 Quil Ceda Blvd.
Tulalip, Washington 98271
FEE: General Registration is open (click here)
Hawaiian Council Members: $250, non-member: $300
*Special discounted hotel and airfare rates are available for registered convention attendees, subject to availability. Click here for more information.
The 2025 Native Hawaiian Convention is open to registered attendees only. The public is invited to shop at the marketplace.
Source: Stryker Weiner and Yokota Public Relations on behalf of the Hawaiian Counsel
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
