Empowering Pacific
Indigenous Creatives
I KONA
He ʻāina poina ʻole no mākou
An unforgettable land for us
Welcome to Kona, beyond the finish line, we invite you to experience the heart of our Kona, free of charge and open to all.
Enjoy the full experience — press play while you explore our site.
ʻAHA! Mele (2025)
ʻAHA! Mele (song festival) featuring winners of Na Leo TVʻs Beyond the Mic, highlights mele (music) and moʻolelo (story) of Hawaiʻi while celebrating the rich musical diversity that makes music from the islands so unique.
Na Leo Nahenahe o Kona
Lā Pena, Community Paint Day (2025)
Lydia8, in partnership with The IRONMAN Foundation is organizing a mural project that invites IRONMAN attendees and the Kona community to engage and contribute their creativity to a collective masterpiece.
Emily States is a Native Hawaiian artist dedicated to celebrating the beauty, history, and culture of Hawai‘i through her work. She creates art that highlights endemic, indigenous, and Polynesian-introduced plants, as well as the rich heritage of her people. Her artistic practice spans drawing, watercolor painting, murals, sewing, digital art, and hand-carved stamps.
Beyond her art, she is a mother of three and a passionate advocate for the Hawaiian language, which she speaks fluently at home with her family. She believes in the importance of language revival and strives to make Hawaiian culture more accessible through her creations, workshops, and community involvement.
Featured Artist: Emily States
Craft the perfect symbol of aloha for yourself, your ʻohana (family), or the triathlete in your life.
Create & Imagine with HOKA x Brandy-Alia
Step inside the HOKA Hub and experience a mix of fun and inspiration with Brandy-Alia. Personalize your ʻeke (bag) with Native Hawaiian artist, Brandy-Alia. Each day there will be a new design highlighting core Hawaiian values - A one-of-a-kind keepsake to take home from Kona.
Soul Proprietor Mākeke (2025)
The Soul Proprietor Mākeke (market) provides a platform for indigenous entrepreneurs to showcase their services and products in a marketplace setting.
All Roads Lead to the Queen:
Limited Edition Collection
This year's All-Wāhine IRONMAN World Championship is a celebration of hoʻoikaika (resilience). Our "All Roads Lead to the Queen" limited edition collection is more than just merchandise; it's a wearable testament to the powerful wāhine who have inspired generations.
Wear your support. Honor the journey. Shop the limited edition collection today!
Here for the Wāhine:
Limited Edition Collection
This collection is a declaration of purpose. Our "Here for the Wāhine" tee and trucker hats are for anyone who stands in solidarity with the incredible wāhine of the world. This design is a simple, powerful statement that you're here to support, celebrate, and honor the strength and resilience of wāhine.
Show your support. Be a part of the movement. Shop the "Here for the Wāhine" collection today!
Every purchase from these limited edition collections directly supports Lydia8's mission to cultivate transformative artistic and cultural opportunities for wāhine of Hawaiʻi to mobilize their communities and create real change.
Your contribution helps fund our Arts, Culture & Education (ACE) initiatives that create a deeper connection to our ʻāina (land) and moʻomeheu (culture).
EPIC Week
Saturday,
October 4:
Hale Hālāwai
Kailua-Kona, HI
Lā Pena; Community Paint Day with Native Hawaiian Artist, Emily States
2 - 4pm
Tuesday,
October 7:
Hale Hālāwai
Kailua-Kona, HI
Epic Wāhine Mākeke
Noon - 7pmPua & Aloha Lei Stand with Aunty Jaymie 1 - 3pm
ʻAHA! Mele
2 - 3pm
Pohai MakamaeʻAHA! Mele
6 - 7pm
Na Leo Nahenahe o Kona
Wednesday,
October 8
Hale Hālāwai
Kailua-Kona, HI
Epic Wāhine Mākeke
10am - 4pmPua & Aloha Lei Stand with Aunty Jaymie 11 - 1pm
ʻAHA! Mele
1 - 2pm
Haunani
Thursday,
October 9:
Hale Hālāwai
Kailua-Kona, HI
Epic Wāhine Mākeke
10a - 4pmPua & Aloha Lei Stand with Aunty Jaymie 11 - 1pm
ʻAHA! Mele
3 - 4pm
Bridge
Friday,
October 10:
Hale Hālāwai
Kailua-Kona, HI
Epic Wāhine Mākeke
10a - 2pmPua & Aloha Lei Stand with Aunty Jaymie 11 - 1pm
