CONVENTIONS
Page Updated- October 15, 2026
The Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs hosts an annual convention of delegates from each Hawaiian Civic Club in the fourth quarter of each calendar year. The convention location rotates among the five councils.
Most of the convention agenda focuses on the delegates’ debate and deliberation of the proposed resolutions submitted 60 days in advance of the convention. These debates occur in meetings of the Association’s standing and program committees and during the plenary sessions, and the adopted resolutions become position statements and form the advocacy platform of the Association.
In addition to the adoption of resolutions, the delegates approve the budget for the coming calendar year and minutes from the preceding convention, and hear from various keynote speakers who provide insights into the state, well-being, and needs of our community. Huaka‘i, workshops, consultation sessions, networking, ‘aha ‘aina, and kanikapila round out the convention activities. The House of Delegates relies heavily on Robert’s Rules of Order to transact its business over the four-day agenda.
2026 ASSOCIATION OF HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB CONVENTION
67th Annual Convention
November 18 – November 22, 2026
Portland, Oregon
ʻEhia lā i koe ma mua o ka wehena?
(How many days are left before our first opening plenary?)
Click on the links below to quickly access and navigate the related information.
CONVENTION IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES
July 22, 2026 – 120 days prior to Opening Plenary
August 21, 2026 – 90 days prior to Opening Plenary
August 31, 2026
1. Mākeke Application closes
September 5, 2026 – 75 days prior to Opening Plenary
- 2026 AOHCC Resolution Guidelines (Download PDF)
October 5, 2026 – 45 days prior to Opening Plenary
- Award Nominations
October 10, 2026 – 40 days prior to Opening Plenary
- Ordering Convention Merchandise
October 20, 2026 – 30 days prior to Opening Plenary
1. Convention Registration
2. Kukui Lamakū
3. Haliʻa Aloha
4. Convention Meals
CONVENTION THEME
“Kahe Ka Wai I Hoʻokahi Pilina”
Provided by Nā Lei Makalapua, Mainland Council of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs.
Kahe ka wai – the water flows
i ho’okahi pilina – into/within one relationship, one interconnected bond
The phrase carries a deeper, poetic meaning beyond literal translation, pointing to the idea that water is the medium through which relationships are formed, sustained, and unified.
Mana’o: This phrase reflects the understanding that water is a living pathway that connects people, lands, and generations. From the rivers and rain of the Pacific Northwest to the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean that reaches Hawai’i, water carries memory, movement, and genealogy. Like strands woven together in a braid, these waters symbolize the enduring relationships among our people, those rooted in Hawai’i and those living across Turtle Island. Water often symbolizes the movement of life, knowledge, and connection between people and place. Through the flow of water, our mo’ok0’auhau, stories, and ‘ike continue to travel, reminding us that distance does not sever connection. Instead, the waters that move between our homelands and the places we now live intertwine our past, present, and future, strengthening the bonds of our lohui. In this way, the water becomes both a physical and spiritual thread, weaving together our shared identity, responsibility, and aloha for one another.
From the great rivers on the continent, the Columbia River flowing into the vast sea, to the deep blue seas of Hawai’i, there are waterways that continually connect us. These waters carry genealogy, stories, and the life of our people. Beneath the great ocean, these waters meet and weave relationships between lands and peoples.
And so, as we gather along the banks of the Columbia River, we remember our enduring connection to our homeland. For in the water lives the mo’olelo of our people.
CONVENTION MĀKEKE VENDOR APPLICATION + INTEREST FORM
This mākeke is powered by Ka ʻAha Lāhui O ʻOlekona on behalf of Na Lei Makalapua and the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs.
Venue: Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center (375 NE Holladay St. Portland, OR 97232)
Dates & Times:
Thursday, November 19 from 12pm to 6pm
Friday, November 20 from 12pm to 6pm
Saturday, November 21 from 10pm to 3pm
Schedule for the application process:
August 31: Application closes
September 9: Vendors will be notified
For any questions, please feel free to reach out to Nicole (nicole@kalohcc.org).
Convention Meals
DEADLINE- WED, OCTOBER 22, 2025
Questions re: meals should be sent to – convention@aohcc.org
With the generous support of our convention sponsors, we can offer participants meals at significantly subsidized rates.
Please review the menu options below before making your purchase through the meal portal on Whova.
All meal sales are final. No refunds will be given, so please plan ahead when making your meal selections.
10/30 – 11/1 (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) ʻAina Kakahiaka (Breakfast)
Ticket cost: $20/per person (meal value- $46.37)
Seasonal island fresh fruit, Sweet flaky butter croissants and baked flavored Danishes with whipped island mango butter and fruit preserves, Steel cut oatmeal with cinnamon, brown sugar, honey and dried fruit, Hard-boiled eggs, Yogurt (plain, fruit or low fat)
Fresh brewed regular and decaffeinated Hawaiian Paradise® coffee, assorted herbal teas, and fresh squeezed orange juice.
10/30 (Thursday) ʻAina Awakea (Lunch)
Kamehameha Schools will host a luncheon for AOHCC leadership, by invitation only. Additional details will be provided directly to invited participants.
All other attendees are kindly asked to make their own lunch arrangements. Dining options will be available on site as well as at nearby establishments for your convenience.
10/30 (Thursday) ʻAina Ahiahi (Dinner)
Please note that dinner will not be provided for Thursday evening. Attendees are encouraged to make independent arrangements at their convenience. A variety of dining options are available nearby and Hawaiʻi Council is putting together some Kanaka Uber Eats options. More info coming soon.
10/31 (Friday) ʻAina Awakea (Lunch)
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs will be hosting a luncheon for AOHCC convention attendees. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please reserve your ticket in advance to secure your spot.
10/31 (Friday) ʻAina Ahiahi (Dinner)
Friday evening’s dinner and event is organized by Moku o Keawe (Hawaiʻi Council) at Kahaluʻu Makai. Additional details, including schedule and ticket information is available below.
11/1 (Saturday) ʻAina Awakea (Lunch)
Ticket cost: $20/per person (meal value- $46.37)
ʻAhahui Siwila Hawaiʻi will host a luncheon for AOHCC convention attendees at a subsidized, affordable rate. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage you to reserve your ticket in advance to ensure your place.
11/1 (Saturday) ʻAina Ahiahi (Dinner)
Ticket cost: $65/per person (meal value- $193.19)
The Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs invites you to an evening of food, fun, and fellowship as we celebrate our accomplishments together. Guests will enjoy an Island Seafood Buffet and Carving Station, engage in Hawaiian trivia, and be treated to a live performance by Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award–winning artist Kainani Kahaunaele and friends.
Local baby mixed greens, Jumbo shrimp and half shell oysters, Tomato caprese salad, Assortment of sushi, Sliced fruit platter, Seafood chowder, Baked potato bar with assorted toppings, Steamed white rice, Corn on the cob, Steamed lobster with drawn butter and lemon, Steamed “Chinese style” day boat catch with ginger- shiitake soy, Southern style crab boil, Carving Station* Garlic-herb crusted prime rib with creamy horseradish, au jus, mustard and island rolls, and Sweet Corner with Chef inspired assorted treats
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Meals-
- Question- Will there be a lunch option for purchase on Thursday, October 30?
Answer- No lunch for purchase on 10/30. Lunch is on your own and there are a few options in the hotel.
- Question- Is there a plan for dinner on Thursday? Is it on our own?
Answer- We are tentatively planning for a FUN evening event on Thursday and members should have enough time after committee meetings to find a meal and then return for the evening event. More info coming soon.
Question- Is there a plan for dinner on Friday?
Answer- Hawaiʻi Island Council is planning a lūʻau for Friday night. More info below.Question- I bought some of my meal tickets but now I want to add more? How do I do this?
Answer- For additional purchases of meals, you can access the confirmation email you received after the purchase to use the “Add to your order” segment.
Please see the screenshot
All meal sales are final. No refunds will be given, so please plan ahead when making your meal selections.
Please watch the instructional video below for step-by-step guidance on how to use the meal purchase portal.
Convention Lūʻau 2025 (FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2025)
DEADLINE TO RESERVE TICKETS (LIMITED NUMBER AVAILABLE)- SUN, OCTOBER 26, 2025
Questions re: lūʻau should be sent to Hawaiʻi Council-
THEME: E Mau Ke Ea
DESCRIPTION: Enjoy ʻono meaʻai and an engaging evening of moʻolelo, mele, and hula on the grounds of Kahaluʻu ma Kai in this historic area where hotels have been removed and heiau have been rebuilt, providing a serene environment for our evening of learning and enjoyment. All mele, hula, and moʻolelo have been curated to tell the stories and connect you to this significant site and area that was the university of our aliʻi and proving grounds for our revered chiefs.
Friday, October 31, 2025 at Kahaluʻu ma Kai
5:45p 1st Shuttle Bus
6:00p 2nd Shuttle Bus
6:15p Arrive
6:45p Dinner and music
7:30p Show 1hr
8:30p Pau, Shuttle Bus starts back to hotel
Shuttle service included with Ticket Price
Available Tickets: 200
COST- $0/person
With the generous support of ʻAhahui Sīwila Hawaiʻi, we are able to offer this lūʻau for FREE!
Food catered by a Native Hawaiian Chef and Community Leader.
Menu: Kalua Pig (GF), Huli Chicken, Brown Gravy Beef Stew (GF), Tofu Stir Fry (Vegetarian/Gf), Macaroni / Potato Salad, Green Garden Salad w/ Island Vinaigrette (Vegetarian/GF), Steamed `Uala (Vegetarian), Steamed White Rice (Vegetarian/ GF), Fried Noodles (Vegetarian), Haupia Cream Cake / Kona Coffee Brownies
Water Station, Mamaki Tea Station, Fruit Juice Station
Looking for additional dining options during the convention? Explore a variety of restaurants conveniently located on site and nearby. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, these local favorites offer something for everyone to enjoy.
Detailed Convention Schedule
Updated October 17, 2025
Loading...
CONVENTION MERCHANDISE
Nā Lei Makalapua, Mainland Council of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, is excited to announce that official merchandise for the 67th Annual AOHCC Convention is now available for purchase!
Important Dates
- Ordering Deadline: October 10, 2026
- Merchandise Pickup:
Beginning Tuesday, November 17, 2026, in Portland, Oregon. - Pickup location and hours will be shared closer to Convention Week.
For questions or concerns email Leialoha at- nlmhpelua@klhokl.org
CONVENTION AGENDA
Updated October 15, 2026
Lāpule (Sunday), Nov 15, 2026 – Check-in to Hotel
Pōʻakahi (Monday), Nov 16, 2026 – Huaka’i
Pōʻalua (Tuesday), Nov 17, 2026 – Huakaʻi and Workshops
Pōʻakolu (Wednesday), Nov 18, 2026 – Workshops, Awards, Hali’a Aloha, and Kukui Lama Kū, and AOHCC Board Meeting
Pōʻahā (Thursday), Nov 19, 2026 – Opening Plenary & Ceremonies, Administrative Committee Meetings, Mākeke
Pōʻalima (Friday), Nov 20, 2026 – Plenary Keynote, Administrative Committee Reports, Mele Presentations, Program Committee Meetings, Evening Dinner Event, Mākeke
Pōʻaono (Saturday), Nov 21, 2026 – Closing Plenary, Program Committee Reports, ʻAha ʻAina & Installation of Officers, Mākeke
Lāpule (Sunday), Nov 22, 2026 – Anaina Pule, Check out of Hotel
CONVENTION HOTEL
Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center
375 NE Holladay St
Portland, OR 97232
1 (971) 222-1234
**JULY 16 UPDATE**
We have worked with the hotel to add more rooms to our convention block. Mahalo to all that submitted the pre-convention survey that informed us on the number of rooms we needed to add. The good news: there is still availability from November 16th through the morning of the 21st.
The not-so-good news: unfortunately, the hotel is fully booked for the night of Saturday, November 21st. For that evening, we’d recommend checking availability at the Eastlund Hotel (hoteleastlund.com), which is just adjacent to us and a great and convenient option.
- AOHCC group code: G-AHCC
- Rates for Resort View Rooms (available 3 days before and after event, subject to availability)
- Standard Guest
Room – $179.00/night + taxes
- Standard Guest
- Check-in time – 3pm, Check-out time- 11am
- All room rates are quoted exclusive of applicable state and local taxes for single or double occupancy.
- Children under 18 stay free if in same room as parents with existing bedding, maxiumum of 4 persons to a room.
- Current rate for a third or fourth person(s):
- $25 additional for 3 persons
- $50 additional for 4 persons
- Reservations by attendees must be received on or before 5:00 pm local time at Hotel on Monday, October 26, 2026. At that date, Hotel will review the reservation, release unreserved rooms for general sale, and determine whether it can accept reservations based on a space- and rate- available basis at the Customer’s group rate after this date.
- A reservation must be cancelled 7 days or more prior to arrival to avoid cancellation charge of 1 night
- Parking rates-
- Self parking charge $30 + tax per night,
- Valet parking charge $40 + tax per night.
PER CAPITA DUES
Contact- Lu Ann Lankford-Faborito, Puʻukū (Treasurer)
Email-puuku.ahcc@gmail.com
DEADLINE- SEPTEMBER 20, 2026 11:59PM HST
ARTICLE X SECTION 1- PER CAPITA DUES (AOHCC BY-LAWS)
Section 1 Per Capita dues shall be paid annually to the Association no later than sixty (60) days prior to the convening of the House of Delegates. The amount of said dues shall be established on the basis of a budget approved by the Board of Directors of the Association and submitted to the House of Delegates for possible modification and adoption.
Section 2. If a member Hawaiian Civic Club is delinquent in paying dues, said member shall be deemed not to be in good standing and lose all benefits of membership, including, but not limited to, voting rights in the House of Delegates and Council. Upon payment in full of all delinquent dues, a member Hawaiian Civic Club shall be returned to good standing and allowed to vote at the convening of the House of Delegates for that year.
At the 2025 annual convention, a motion was adopted by the House of Delegates that all payments will be done electronically and no paper checks will be accepted anymore.
$5.00 PER MEMBER PAYABLE TO AOHCC MUST BE SUBMITTED BY THE DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 20, 2026, 11:59PM (HAWAIʻI TIME).
PER CAPITA PAID AFTER SEPTEMBER 20, 2026 WILL NOT INCREASE DELEGATE/ALTERNATE COUNT
CONVENTION REGISTRATION FORM & INSTRUCTIONS
Committee Chair- Kehau Cortez-Camero
Contact- registration@aohcc.org
DEADLINE October 20, 2026 – 30 days prior to Opening Plenary
REGISTRATION FEE: The registration fee for convention is $50/per person. All attendees (delegates, alternates, delegate-at-large, members, & guests)
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Each Hawaiian Civic Club president or president’s designee should submit a single registration for the club using this registration form.
- Before you begin the registration, it will be helpful to gather the names and email addresses of your Hawaiian Civic Club’s delegates, delegates-at-large, alternates, and members. Each delegate, delegate-at-large, alternate, or member should have a unique email address.
- Method of Payment-
All AOHCC payments are accepted electronically. Clubs may pay using PayPal, credit or debit card, or directly from their U.S. bank account through ACH. For clubs wishing to pay from their checking account, simply select Bank Account (ACH) on the form and follow the instructions to securely complete your payment through Stripe. No PayPal account or credit/debit card is required to use the ACH option, and AOHCC absorbs the payment processing fees.
At the 2025 annual convention, a motion was adopted by the House of Delegates that all payments will be done electronically and no paper checks will be accepted anymore.
- The registration deadline is October 20, 2026 – 30 days prior to Opening Plenary. The registration fee is $50 per participant.
- Late registration will only be accepted from October 21 through November 4, 2026. The registration fee during this period is $100 per participant.
More registration information and details available on the registration page. Please review all of the information and prepare to gather the names and unique email addresses of your Hawaiian Civic Club’s delegates, delegates-at-large, alternates, and members.P
HALIʻA ALOHA
Sub-committee Chair: Georgette Nohea Stevens
Email: georgette.stevens@gmail.com
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT FORM-OCTOBER 20, 2026
He Lei Poina ʻOle Nō Nā Lālā O Ka ʻAhahui
The Association of Hawaiian Civic Club invites all clubs to participate in Haliʻa Aloha, our annual memorial honoring cherished members who have passed during the 2024–2025 club year.
This deeply meaningful tradition allows us to celebrate the lives, contributions, and legacies of our beloved members—those who served with aloha and strengthened our lāhui through their dedication, leadership, and spirit.
Through oli, mele, and moʻolelo, we remember.
Each name submitted will be included in a collective tribute at our upcoming Convention, where we will gather in aloha to reflect, honor, and give thanks.
KUKUI LAMAKŪ
Sub-committee Chair: Jacob Aki
Email:
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT FORM- October 10, 2026 – 30 days prior to Opening Plenary
Only the Council President or their designee should be submitting the information for the kupuna that you will be recognizing.
History of this award: The Kukui Lamakū Recognition was founded and initiated in 1989 by then Association of Hawaiian Civic Club President Jalna Keala. She strongly believed in giving recognition to our kūpuna who are civic club members that have led the way for us and who have not received any kind of an Association award.
The following Association President Bruss Keppeler, loved the idea and imbedded the Kukui Lamakū Recognition into the convention agenda. The Kukui Lamakū is a heartfelt recognition of a few people by their ‘Ahahui Pelekikena. It is not a competitive award. The kūpuna are the ones who enlighten us with the FLAME or KUKUI over the years in their quiet humble, supportive way without being in the limelight over a period of time . . . not this year, or last year, but sustained services they have provided throughout their unique lifetime.
It was Aunty Betty Jenkins a member of Aliʻi Pauahi Hawaiian Civic Club, who came up with the idea and the name for this prestigious award. “It is a good one” she said “very descriptive with the kaona”. When you think about it, we can think of many kūpuna, we all know of them, we know of someone and their lives have expressed the finest and the very best of our Hawaiian values.
WORKSHOPS
Sub-committee Chair: Matt Erickson
Email: matt@aohcc.org
We have two days reserved for workshops: Tuesday, November 17 and Wednesday, November 18, 2026.
WORKSHOP PROPOSAL TIMELINE
Deadline for Workshop Proposal: September 5, 2026 (75 days prior to Opening Plenary)
REVIEW of Proposals: September 7 – 13, 2026
FINAL Acceptance Notification: September 14, 2026
FINAL Website and Agenda Update shared with membership: September 20, 2026 (60 days prior to Opening Plenary)
CONVENTION BOOKLET CLUB BIO AND ACTIVITY FORM
Sub-committee Chair: Lance Holden
Email: holdengd2015@icloud.com
Submission Deadline: September 20, 2026
Help us celebrate and document the important work of our Hawaiian Civic Clubs! Each club is encouraged to submit its 2026 Club Biography and Annual Activities Report for inclusion in the official AOHCC Convention Booklet.
The form provides an opportunity to share your club’s general information, 2026 educational scholarships awarded, current club officers, contact and online information, and highlights of your club’s activities and accomplishments throughout the year. Activity reports may be submitted in English and/or Hawaiian and are limited to 300 words maximum.
Mahalo for helping us recognize, celebrate, and preserve the work of our Hawaiian Civic Clubs and the many ways our clubs continue to serve our lāhui and communities.
HUAKAʻI
For questions or concerns-
Email: info@kalohcc.org
Reservation requests will be accepted until November 6, 2026
E ʻIke iā ʻOlekona — Experience Oregon
November 16–18, 2026 | Portland, Oregon
As we gather for the 67th Convention of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, our huakaʻi provide opportunities to experience the people, places,
cultures, history, and natural beauty of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
Whether you are looking to deepen your connection with the Indigenous communities of this ʻāina, discover Portland, enjoy an evening adventure, or find an experience specifically for our ʻŌpio, there is something for everyone.
Huakaʻi are organized into four experience pathways:
Pili ʻĀina — Indigenous culture, community, ʻāina, and relationships
No ʻOlekona — Discover the history and beauty of Oregon
Uiha! — Food, adventure, and fun
ʻŌpio — Experiences created especially for our youth
- PŌʻAKAHI, NOWEMAPA 16, 2026 (Monday, Nov 16)
Cost: $10.00 + platform fees= Total $12.51
Activity Level: Medium (ADA Accessible)
Capacity: 25
Lunch will be provided onsite!
2 Options-- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Trimet – Meet in Lobby of Hyatt 9:20 AM, Depart at 9:30 AM, Arrive at OHS at 10:00 AM
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Trimet – Meet in Main Area at 1:00 PM, Depart at 1:10 PM, Return to Hyatt 1:40 P
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
DEADLINE TO REGISTER- November 6, 2026
Located in the heart of downtown Portland, the Oregon Historical Society preserves and shares the complex stories of the people, communities, and events that have shaped Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Its museum and research library hold an extraordinary collection of photographs, documents, maps, oral histories, manuscripts, and other primary sources documenting generations of life in Oregon.
For Native Hawaiians, this huakaʻi offers a special opportunity to explore the more than two centuries of Kanaka presence in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest and to uncover the names and stories of Kanaka who helped shape the region. Participants will have an opportunity to engage with archival resources and consider how historical records can help us reconnect names, ʻohana, places, and moʻolelo—bringing greater visibility to a Kanaka history that has too often gone untold. OHS’s collections include photographs, letters, diaries, organizational records, maps, oral histories, and other materials that provide opportunities for this deeper research.
Huakaʻi Highlight: Come explore the archives, uncover the names of Kanaka who came before us, and deepen our understanding of the generations of Native Hawaiians who have called the Pacific Northwest home. This experience provides Convention delegates an opportunity to better understand the people, migrations, communities, and events that have shaped the state hosting our gathering.
For more info about Oregion Historical Society- https://www.ohs.org/
Abstract Aboriginal painting of white lines on a black background
Emily Kam Kngwarray Anmatyerr c. 1910–96 Anwerlarr Anganenty (Big Yam Dreaming) (detail) 1995 synthetic polymer paint on canvas 291.1 x 801.8 cm National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Presented through The Art Foundation of Victoria by Donald and Janet Holt and family, Governors, 1995. © The Estate of Emily Kam Kngwarray / Copyright Agency, Australia 2023
- PŌʻAKAHI, NOWEMAPA 16, 2026 (Monday, Nov 16)
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Transportation: Included (Pick up at Hyatt 11:30 A, Depart at 11:40 A, Return at 2:30 P) Capacity: 30 Activity Level: Medium (ADA Accessible)
DEADLINE TO REGISTER- November 6, 2026
Join us for a meaningful huakaʻi to the Portland Art Museum, where art offers a pathway for exploring identity, history, and the enduring relationships among people, place, and culture. Participants will experience Shifting the Narrative: 21st Century Acquisitions, an exhibition that highlights the diversity, resilience, and innovation of Native artists through historical and contemporary works.
For Native Hawaiians, particularly those living away from Hawaiʻi, visiting a museum can be both an educational experience and an opportunity for deeper reflection. Museums have long influenced how Indigenous peoples, histories, and cultural objects are understood by the broader public. This huakaʻi invites us to look thoughtfully at whose stories are being told, who is entrusted to tell them, and how Native artists are reclaiming their voices, challenging incomplete narratives, and affirming that Indigenous cultures are living, evolving, and present.
As Kānaka Maoli living in the Pacific Northwest, we also carry a kuleana to understand the histories of the Indigenous peoples whose ancestral lands we now call home. By engaging with the work and perspectives of Native artists, we strengthen our pilina with the peoples and places around us while reflecting on our own connections to ʻāina, kūpuna, ʻike, and lāhui. This experience encourages participants to consider how we can protect and perpetuate our cultural knowledge, uplift Indigenous voices, and ensure that our stories are shared with accuracy, dignity, and aloha
- PŌʻAKAHI, NOWEMAPA 16, 2026 (Monday, Nov 16)
Time: 4:00 PM–7:00 PM
Location: TBD Activity Level: Moderate / Walking Capacity: TBD
Experience Includes: Guided Cultural + Historical Tour
DEADLINE TO REGISTER- November 6, 2026Join the Portland All Nations Canoe Family, Siletz Valley School, and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians for a special evening of cultural sharing, music, dance, and pilina
The evening will feature a hosted Native American Social Dance, where Convention attendees will be welcomed into the circle to learn and participate under the guidance of our hosts. Unlike a performance intended only to be observed, this gathering invites participants to experience how song and dance bring people together, strengthen community relationships, and carry cultural teachings across generations.
Siletz youth drummers will share songs and the powerful heartbeat of the drum, creating an opportunity to uplift ʻōpio and honor the knowledge passed to them by their families, elders, and community. Attendees will also have time to talk story and build meaningful relationships with youth, elders, and members of the local Native community.
We will close the evening with a joyful kanikapila, bringing our communities together through Hawaiian music, shared songs, laughter, and aloha. Come prepared to listen, learn, participate, and celebrate the relationships connecting Native peoples across lands, waters, and generations.
PŌʻALUA, NOWEMAPA 17, 2026 (Tuesday, Nov 17)
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
💲 Cost: 20.00 + platform fees= Total $23.18
🍽 Lunch: Included
🚌 Transportation: Included🚶 Activity Level: Medium (ADA Accessible) with light walking
👥 Capacity: 30
Experience Includes: Community Tour + Cultural Learning + Lunch
DEADLINE TO REGISTER- November 6, 2026
Visit the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) and experience one of Portland’s leading Native community organizations.
NAYA serves Native youth, families, adults, and Elders through culturally specific programs encompassing education, housing, economic opportunity, family support, cultural arts, community development, and more.
For Hawaiian Civic Club members, this huakaʻi provides an opportunity to experience how another urban Indigenous community has built culturally grounded spaces and systems to care for its people while strengthening identity and community across generations.
- PŌʻALUA, NOWEMAPA 17, 2026 (Tuesday, Nov 17)
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Cost: 20.00 + platform fees= Total $23.18 (Donation of $20 to Center)
🍽 Lunch: Included (Sponsored by Na Lei Makalapua) Transportation: Shuttle or Trimet Option (Travel Portland) Activity Level: Medium (ADA Accessible with some light walking) Capacity: 30Experience Includes: Tour + Cultural Craft with Portland All Nations Canoe Family
Native Art, Culture & Creative Expression
Experience the Center for Native Arts & Cultures, home of the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation and a gathering place dedicated to strengthening Native arts, cultures, and creative expression.
Participants will learn how Native artists and cultural practitioners are using art, storytelling, and creative practice to strengthen identity, share knowledge, and ensure Indigenous cultures continue to thrive for generations to come.
Canoe Culture & Indigenous Community
Connect with Portland All Nations Canoe Family, a multigenerational Indigenous community that strengthens relationships through canoe culture, waterways, cultural practice, and intergenerational learning.
For Kānaka Maoli, this experience creates a beautiful opportunity to recognize connections between Pacific Northwest canoe traditions and our own relationships with waʻa, kai, wai, ʻohana, and kuleana.
- PŌʻALUA, NOWEMAPA 17, 2026 (Tuesday, Nov 17)
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Convention delegates are invited to participate in special cedar weaving workshops presented by the Portland All Nations Canoe Family and cultural practitioners from the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. These hands-on experiences will introduce participants to the beauty and cultural significance of cedar weaving while creating space for learning, conversation, and connection across generations.
For Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, weaving is more than an art form, it is a living expression of identity, relationship, and responsibility. Cedar and other natural materials have been carefully gathered and prepared to create baskets, mats, hats, clothing, and items used in daily and ceremonial life. The teachings carried through weaving include respect for the land, gratitude for the materials provided by the Creator, patience in the creative process, and the responsibility to pass knowledge from one generation to the next.
During these workshops, participants will have an opportunity to experience the cedar-weaving process firsthand, learn foundational techniques, and hear about the cultural knowledge connected to the practice. Each strand becomes part of something stronger when woven together, reminding us that our communities are also strengthened through pilina, shared learning, and collective care.
These workshops offer Kānaka Maoli a meaningful opportunity to learn from and build relationships with the Indigenous peoples of the lands hosting our Convention. While Native Hawaiian and Pacific Northwest weaving traditions are distinct, both reflect deep relationships with ʻāina, ancestral knowledge, and the natural materials that sustain our people. Participants are encouraged to enter this space with humility, respect, and gratitude for the cultural practitioners who are sharing their time, ʻike, and traditions with us.
AWARDS AND NOMINATION FORMS
Sub-Committee Chair:
Contact:
We are thrilled to gather once again for our annual awards program, where we honor individuals, clubs, and councils that have made outstanding contributions to the Hawaiian community. Each year, we proudly present ten prestigious awards to those who have exemplified dedication and service. The full list of these distinguished awards is provided on the NEW Online Portal.
Nominations Now Open! To submit a nomination, please complete the relevant form available on the NEW online portal. We look forward to announcing the winners at our highly anticipated Annual AOHCC Convention, where we will come together to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our community members.
Nomination Deadline:
October 5, 2026 – 45 days prior to Opening Plenary
For any inquiries or assistance with the forms or nomination process, please reach out to the committee chair.
CONVENTION SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
AOHCC 2026 Annual Convention Sponsorship Opportunities (August 2026)
We invite you to take advantage of this unique sponsorship opportunity. The WHOVA app offers a dynamic platform for sponsors to connect with attendees throughout the convention. By placing your brand on key touchpoints—mobile app home, agenda, attendee profile page, and the webapp homepage—you’ll ensure your company’s message reaches attendees at the right time, in the right place. With features like interactive event agendas, personalized schedules, and attendee networking, the WHOVA app provides an immersive experience that keeps your brand top-of-mind. Don’t miss the chance to showcase your support for the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs and engage with a dedicated audience in a meaningful way!
MOBILITY SCOOTER INFO
Here’s some of the companies in Portland that are recommended for any of our kupuna that need a mobility scooter to get around.
Shamrock Medical: 503.233.5055 – Need to call to reserve. $50/day, limited supply. This was the company listed for referrals at the hotel. No discounts.
Cloud of Goods: 407.545.3103 – Online reservations available. Roughly $65/day.
Frequently Asked Questions
- I am a Delegate/Alternate/Member representing my Hawaiian Civic Club at the upcoming annual AOHCC convention held at the Hyatt Regency in Portland, Oregon. Are there any special airfare prices to attend this event?
Yes, Alaska Airlines is a sponsor to the 2026 AOHCC Annual Convention and is offering delegates and alternates a 20% discount for flights to/from PDX, Nowemapa 10-22. Please complete this online survey that was distributed through Ka Nūhou back in May. Upon completing the survey you will receive an email with your discount code.
- I just tried to reserve a room for Nov 18-22, 2026 at the Hyatt for one of our Delegates. I received a note that stated no room is available during these dates. Is that correct?
- July 16 update- We have worked with the hotel to add more rooms to our convention block. Mahalo to all that submitted the pre-convention survey that informed us on the number of rooms we needed to add. The good news: there is still availability from November 16th through the morning of the 21st.
The not-so-good news: unfortunately, the hotel is fully booked for the night of Saturday, November 21st. For that evening, we’d recommend checking availability at the Eastlund Hotel (hoteleastlund.com), which is just adjacent to us and a great and convenient option.
- July 16 update- We have worked with the hotel to add more rooms to our convention block. Mahalo to all that submitted the pre-convention survey that informed us on the number of rooms we needed to add. The good news: there is still availability from November 16th through the morning of the 21st.
- If I purchase a convention sponsor ad will it be printed in the convention booklet or only in the convention Whova App?
- Please review the sponsorship information and contact Pelekikena Dre Kalili for more info.
- When will the detailed schedule and agenda be available for all participants?
- A general schedule is already available online. Between now and convention our team is working hard to keep the schedule updated. For example, August 21, 2026 – 90 days prior to Opening Plenary is a big deadline to update our website.
- I don’t see a section for award honoree submission for our Nā ‘Opio during convention. Was that removed?
- The award nominations are still the same as the last few years. The Nā ʻŌpio award is called the Kama Aliʻi Award (Outstanding Young Hawaiian Civic Club Member).
Need some extra help?
Contact our AOHCC Convention & Meetings Team (Matt Erickson, Kainoa Kaumeheiwa-Rego, and Kehau Cortez-Camero) directly by email-
EMAIL- CONVENTION@AOHCC.ORG
PAST CONVENTIONS
