Pūpūkahi i Holomua: Unite to Move Forward
Ka manu kahea i ka wa‘a e holo: The bird that calls the canoe to sail.
2025 Society for Hawaiian Archaeology Conference
October 17 to October 19
Ka Haka ‘Ula O Ke‘elikolani, UH Hilo, Waiākea, Hawaiʻi
Welina mai me ke aloha,
The Conference Planning Committee and the Board of Directors for the Society for Hawaiian Archaeology (SHA) invite you to join our annual gathering, taking place at the Haka ‘Ula O Ke‘elikolani’s Hale ‘Ōlelo on the campus of University of Hawai‘i Hilo from Friday, October 17 to Sunday, October 19, 2025. The Hale ‘Ōlelo is located on Hawai‘i Island at 113 Nowelo St, Hilo, Hawai‘i, 96720.
The SHA conference will be the capstone event for Archaeology Week in Hawaiʻi, which will take place from October 13 to October 19. We encourage you to arrive early so you may orient yourself to the natural and cultural landscape on the island of Hawai‘i. You also won’t want to miss your chance to participate in a SHA-sponsored huaka‘i (field trips) on Friday.
This year’s conference theme, “Ka manu kahea i ka wa’a e holo” refers to “The bird that calls the canoe to sail.” This is the kioea (bristle-thighed curlew), whose early morning call was often a signal to canoes to go fishing or traveling. Archaeology and Wahi Kūpuna Stewardship is a journey into the past, through the present, and towards the future. Like the lawai‘a, we who do this work hear the kahea and head out on our voyages of learning and connection. But what is the call that you hear, what draws you to this study of the past? Why is it important, and to whom? These questions have always mattered in our practice, but feel especially urgent now in this time of drastic changes — climate, political, technological, etc. For this year’s conference, we invite you to consider these questions about what makes archaeology your calling and encourage you to ask them of the past, present, and future of archaeology and wahi kūpuna stewardship as practiced both in Hawai‘i and by Hawaiians.
The conference committee invites submissions and panel discussions, as well as experiential workshops and engagement sessions related to archaeology in Hawai‘i as we gather once again in Hilo. Submissions broadly related to the following topics are encouraged:
– Community Archaeology and Public Engagement
– General Topics in Hawaiian Archaeology and Historic Preservation
– Contemporary Issues in Archaeology in Hawai‘i and the broader region of Oceania
Our formal program of events will take place from October 17 to 19 at Ka Hala ‘Ula. On Friday (October 17) we are planning for huaka‘i hosted by our members and community members, followed by our Welcome Reception and Awards Ceremony with ‘ono pupu (delicious refreshments), followed by our Keynote Address. Arrive early on Saturday (October 18) and Sunday (October 19) for a continental breakfast followed by presentations, activities, and lunch. Our annual lūʻau will follow our Annual Business Meeting on Saturday evening. Guests of conference attendees may choose to register for the lūʻau only.
More information on award nominations and registration for Archaeology Week events and the 38th annual SHA Conference is forthcoming.
If you are interested in volunteering to lead a huaka‘i or workshop during Archaeology Week or would like to volunteer to help at the conference, please contact the Conference Planning Committee (conferences@hawaiianarchaeology.org). Discounted conference registration will be available for all volunteers.