The Queen Kaʻahumanu Center will honor one of Hawaii’s most influential leaders during a celebration commemorating the 258th birthday of Queen Kaʻahumanu on March 15.

The celebration will begin with a traditional lei draping ceremony led by the ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu Society. As hoʻokupu, a six-foot open lei, will be placed upon the statue of Queen Kaʻahumanu at Center Court.

Following the ceremony, the ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu Society will present the inaugural Queen’s Gallery Experience, an interactive cultural and artistic showcase celebrating Hawaiian heritage, moʻolelo and community. The gallery will be open from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the first-floor next to Bath & Body Works.

Through cultural demonstrations, storytelling and interactive presentations, guests will learn about the queen’s life, leadership and lasting legacy. The society’s portrait of Queen Kaʻahumanu, a one-of-a-kind piece gifted to the organization more than 30 years ago, also will be on display.

The gallery will feature talk story sessions about the historic portrait, traditional lei hulu (feather lei) demonstrations and kapa moʻolelo presentations. In addition, attendees will learn about the legacy of Lucy K. Peabody and the continued lineage of the ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu Society. Local artists Philip Sabado and Sean Baba will present special works honoring Queen Kaʻahumanu and her time as ruler in Lahaina, Maui.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, go to QueenKaahumanuCenter.com.