Keiki Street Festival in Our Kaka‘ako

Challenge
Our Kaka‘ako wanted to create a community event that honored Princess Bernice Pauahi Pākaī Bishop’s vision to create educational opportunities to improve the well-being of Native Hawaiian keiki. Keiki Street Festival was designed to connect families and keiki while fostering cultural education, community connection, and tenant involvement.

Approach
We positioned the festival as a day where keiki could “learn, play, and explore” in the heart of Our Kaka‘ako. By blending live entertainment with culturally rooted experiences, the event would stand out from other family festivals and align with Our Kaka‘ako’s mission to build a community rooted in Native Hawaiian culture. Strategic partnerships with nonprofits, commercial tenants, and local vendors ensured a mix of hands-on activities, cultural programming, and family-friendly shopping and dining.

Execution
Our Kakaʻako transformed into an urban oasis of discovery. Families experienced arts and crafts, hula and fitness sessions, a petting zoo, cultural activities, and more. Vendors offered diverse products, from conservation-inspired apparel to Hawaiian cuisine to toy food sets. Our Kaka‘ako tenants participated with booths and special promotions, while digital promotion, media outreach, and email campaigns drove awareness and attendance.

Results
Since its debut, the Keiki Street Festival has evolved into one of Our Kaka‘ako’s most beloved traditions, attracting families from across O‘ahu and strengthening bonds between residents, tenants, and the broader community. The event has grown each year, with rising attendance, expanding partnerships, and increasing engagement across digital and social channels.

Media coverage was wide-reaching, with recurring features on local television, in print, and online outlets including KITV, Hawaii News Now, KHON2, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, HONOLULU Magazine, and Honolulu Family. The festival’s enduring success has solidified its place as a cornerstone of Our Kaka‘ako’s cultural programming reflecting Kamehameha Schools’ mission to uplift Native Hawaiian keiki and families through learning, community, and aloha.