1. January 11 | Annual Lei Ceremonies at Puʻuiki and Oʻahu Cemeteries
   Continuing our tradition of gratitude, volunteers from the community gathered to place 1,500 leis at Puʻuiki and Oʻahu Cemeteries. This tribute served as a heartfelt salute to the pioneers of every ethnicity who helped shape the spirit of the islands.

2. January 13 | 123rd Anniversary & "Light of the Orient Donald CW Kim" Award
   Marking 123 years since the first Korean immigrants arrived in Hawaii, the KAFH held celebrated the Korean American Day at the Prince Waikiki. This year’s Light of the Orient Donald CW Kim Award was presented to Deborah Chang in recognition of her tireless dedication to the care and preservation of the Coffee Farmers' Cemetery in Hōlualoa. Her commitment ensures that the stories of our early pioneers remain a vibrant and living chapter of Korean American history in Hawai‘i.

1. 122nd Anniversary Celebrations
   Volunteers and young students gathered to layover 1,500 leis at Puʻuiki (Waialua) and Oʻahu Cemetery (Nuʻuanu), honoring the sacrifices of early pioneers of all ethnicities. The celebration continued with a banquet at the Oʻahu Country Club, filled with warmth and pride in our shared heritage.

2. June 6 | Strategic MOU with Changwon National University
   Signed at the Bankers Club, this partnership focuses on researching Korean immigration history, identifying independence activists in Hawai‘i.

3. Site Visit: Hōlualoa Korean Association Cemetery (est. 1917)
   KAFH directors visited this historic site on Hawai‘i Island, which was established over a century ago by a Korean immigrant association. This site serves as the final resting place for early workers of the Hōlualoa coffee farms and sugar plantations. Joined by Deborah Chang (Retired Land Use Planner and Chairperson of the County of Hawai‘i’s Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission) discussions focused on navigating the complexities of site preservation, seeking ways to protect this historic landmark while maintaining a dignified tribute to those who rest there.

4. Multi-Cultural Immigration Photo Exhibition
   Held during the Korean Festival at the Honolulu Hale Civic Grounds, this exhibition showcased a rich visual tapestry of our history.

5. December 1 | A Night of Gratitude
   The KAFH Board toasted to a year of significant impact and collective achievement, celebrating the strong community spirit that fuels our mission.

Special Achievement: 25th Bohun Cultural Award

The Korean American Foundation Hawaii and KBFD TV were jointly honored with the Patriotic Culture Award by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs in Korea. This is the first time an overseas organization has received this recognition—a testament to Hawaii’s vital role in the Korean independence movement

1. January 13 | 121st Anniversary of Korean Immigration to Hawaii:
   A day of remembrance and celebration beginning with a Lei Ceremony at Puʻuiki Cemetery (Waialua) and Oahu Cemetery and a visitation to the Mahalo Monument (located at the Oahu Cemetery). The celebration continued with the annual Korean American Day Banquet at the Prince Waikiki.

2. July 16 | Hilo Historic Site Survey: the "Dongji-chon" Charcoal Kiln site (est.1928):
   The 960-acre Dongji Village was established under the leadership of Dr. Syngman Rhee in 1926, aiming to improve economic conditions for those who left sugar plantations to farm and to raise stock by clearing ohia forest. Dr. Rhee envisioned a charcoal-making community aimed at securing the "funds" necessary for liberation of Korea at the time. Between 1925 and 1931, the Big Island was a hub for economic experiments for Korean independence. The charcoal project faced great hardships and the land was auctioned off in 1933,this charcoal kiln is the only remaining industrial plant developed by the early Korean immigrants in Hawaii.

3. August 3 | Multi-Cultural Historic Exhibit
   Held during the Korean Festival at the Honolulu Hale Civic Grounds, this exhibition showcased a rich visual tapestry of our history. The display featured the diverse cultures and traditions of our early immigrants, offering visitors a window into the lives of those who built our community.

4. August 15 | 79th Gwanbokjeol (Liberation Day)
   Celebrating "The Day the Light Returned," marking Korea's 1945 independence. We were honored to host 23 descendants of independence patriots residing in Hawaii to recognize their ancestors' incredible sacrifices.

5. December 5 | KAFH Year-End Dinner & Directors' Meeting
   A gathering to reflect on a productive year and set the vision for the following year

1. Installation of Copper Plaques for Korean American Historic Sites

2. Punchbowl Memorial Day Dedication of Flowers

3. “Multi-cultural Historic Photo Exhibit” at the Korean-Festival at the Honolulu Civic Ground on August 19 2023

4. Tombstone Rubbing Project, discovering the unknown heroes for the Korea’s Independence Movement

5. Installation of the Mahalo Memorial and the Plaque of the Historic Site at the Oahu Cemetery on September 13, 2023,  organized by KAFH, The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of the ROK. Oahu Cemetery is the final resting place of over 900 early Korean immigrants, including 20 recognized Patriots for Korean independence.

6. A donation check ($10,000) was presented to Hawaii Community Foundation for Maui Relief Efforts, November 2023

7. Digitization of The Korea Times Hawaii (March 1, 1973 - November 28, 2010) at the Center for Korean Studies

2023 Historic Exhibit at the Honolulu Hale

2023 Korean American Day Banquet

January 13 visits to the Puuiki Cemetery, Korean Care Home, and Hawaiian Plantation Village

Historic/Tombstone Rubbing Project: