Office of Hawaiian Affairs

Office of Hawaiian Affairs OHA is dedicated to providing a better life and future for all Hawaiians. Learn more at www.oha.org.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is a public agency with a high degree of autonomy. OHA is responsible for improving the well-being of Native Hawaiians. OHA is governed by a Board of Trustees made up of nine members who are elected statewide to serve four-year terms setting policy for the agency. OHA is administered by a Chief Executive Officer (Ka Pouhana) who is appointed by the Board of Trustees

to oversee a staff of about 170 people. OHA grew out of organized efforts in the 1970s to right past wrongs suffered by Native Hawaiians for over 100 years. Hawaiian activism brought their plight to the consciousness of the general public, leading grassroots leaders to propose that income from land taken from the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom be used to benefit Hawaiians. After voters of all backgrounds agreed, OHA was born in 1978. OHA's Roles

Advocacy - means making changes to laws, policies, and practices which broadly impact the Priorities the Board of Trustees has approved in the OHA Strategic Plan. This includes community outreach to mobilize the community, monitoring activities to identify harmful policies and laws, and advocacy initiatives to change laws, policies and practices in ways that improve conditions for Native Hawaiians as outlined in the Priorities and Strategic Results. Research - means to compile and gather data to identify gaps and important issues, inform our advocacy efforts and ensure our actions and initiatives are based on the best information available. Asset Management - means to fulfill our trust by analyzing opportunities, making critical decisions, and maximizing the value of our portfolio and other investments.

Protecting Papahānaumokuākea means protecting a legacy. OHA remains steadfast in supporting Papahānaumokuākea as a puʻuh...
06/13/2026

Protecting Papahānaumokuākea means protecting a legacy. OHA remains steadfast in supporting Papahānaumokuākea as a puʻuhonua where native species, cultural practices, and traditional stewardship can thrive for generations to come. As discussions continue about the future of these protected waters, OHA stands with the many community leaders, cultural practitioners, scientists, and advocates who have worked to safeguard this sacred place.

In honor of King Kamehameha Day, OHA Deputy Administrator and Chief Operating Officer K. Sean Kekina and OHA Trustee-at-...
06/13/2026

In honor of King Kamehameha Day, OHA Deputy Administrator and Chief Operating Officer K. Sean Kekina and OHA Trustee-at-Large Keoni Souza presented lei for the annual lei draping ceremony, a cherished tradition that pays tribute to the legacy of Kamehameha the Great and celebrates the enduring strength and unity of our lāhui.

Mahalo to all who continue to uphold and perpetuate this meaningful practice for future generations.

Lā Kamehameha ‘Ekahi - June 11 Kalani Pai‘ea Wohi o Kaleikini Keali‘ikui Kamehameha o ‘Iolani i Kaiwikapu Kau‘i ka Lihol...
06/11/2026

Lā Kamehameha ‘Ekahi - June 11
Kalani Pai‘ea Wohi o Kaleikini Keali‘ikui Kamehameha o ‘Iolani i Kaiwikapu Kau‘i ka Liholiho Kūnuiākea was born in ‘Āinakea, Kohala, on Hawai‘i Island.

His mother was Keku‘iapoiwa II. His father was Keōua Kalanikupuapa‘ikalaninui however, Kamakau’s writings mention that Kahekilinui‘ahumanu, Chief of Maui, was his biological father.

Pai‘ea was born in the month of Ikuwā, around November, and he had his birth ceremony at the Mo‘okini Heiau. The year he was born is not certain. He died on May 8, 1819 and was said to have been about 80 years old.

In 1871, Kamehameha V, Lota Kapuāiwa, Kamehameha’s grandson, proclaimed June 11 as a public holiday to honor him.

In observance of King Kamehameha Day, all Office of Hawaiian Affairs offices across the pae ʻāina will be closed on Thur...
06/11/2026

In observance of King Kamehameha Day, all Office of Hawaiian Affairs offices across the pae ʻāina will be closed on Thursday, June 11, 2026. Regular business hours will resume on Friday, June 12.

We wish everyone a meaningful and safe King Kamehameha Day!

Join communities across Hawaiʻi as we honor the legacy of King Kamehameha. From lei draping ceremonies and floral parade...
06/11/2026

Join communities across Hawaiʻi as we honor the legacy of King Kamehameha. From lei draping ceremonies and floral parades to hoʻolauleʻan and cultural celebrations, King Kamehameha Day is a time to reflect on the leadership, vision, and enduring impact of Kamehameha I. E ola mau ka inoa o Kamehameha!

A series of lomilomi sessions by Hālau Takitumu will be held at the Waialua Courthouse for Waialua community members af...
06/10/2026

A series of lomilomi sessions by Hālau Takitumu will be held at the Waialua Courthouse for Waialua community members affected by the Kona Low storms.
No sign up needed.
Sessions are from 9 am - 2 pm on the following days:
Sun, June 14
Sat, June 27
Sun, July 5
Sat, July 11
Sat, July 18
Inquiries can emailed to [email protected].

Papa Ola Lokahi
Hui Mauli Ola

06/08/2026

Monday 6/8/2026 Join us Live: OHA - Meeting of the Board of Trustees

⚠️ 📢 All OHA offices will be closed on Friday, June 5. Business will resume on Monday, June 8.Please send your inquries ...
06/04/2026

⚠️ 📢 All OHA offices will be closed on Friday, June 5. Business will resume on Monday, June 8.
Please send your inquries to [email protected] or call 808-594-1835. E kala mai for any inconvenience.

OHA will launch the ʻĪnaʻi Kōkua Gift Card Program on Friday, June 12, to support Native Hawaiian households recovering ...
06/04/2026

OHA will launch the ʻĪnaʻi Kōkua Gift Card Program on Friday, June 12, to support Native Hawaiian households recovering from damage caused by the March 2026 Kona low storm events.

The program will provide a one-time $2,000 Home Depot gift card to eligible Native Hawaiian homeowners, renters and lessees whose primary residences sustained minor storm-related damage.

An informational Zoom webinar about the application process will be held on Wednesday, June 10, at noon - register online at bit.ly/InaiKokuaGC.

Check if you are eligible at oha.org/floodrelief.


OHA's Hawaiʻi Island Traveling Beneficiary Services initiative is designed to meet Native Hawaiian beneficiaries where t...
06/03/2026

OHA's Hawaiʻi Island Traveling Beneficiary Services initiative is designed to meet Native Hawaiian beneficiaries where they live, work, and raise their families.

For more information call (808) 594-1835 or visit oha.org/offices.

Address

560 N. Nimitz Highway , Suite 200
Honolulu, HI
96817

Opening Hours

Monday 7:45am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 7:45am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 7:45am - 4:30pm
Thursday 7:45am - 4:30pm
Friday 7:45am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+18085941888

Website

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