A PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY of the Hawaiian Historical Society is the presentation of regular programs on a variety of topics related to the history of Hawai‘i and the Pacific. These programs are free and open to the general public as well as to Society members. The sampling of recent programs listed here reflects the breadth of the interests of the Society's membership.

• Alexander Cartwright and His Lasting Influence on Honolulu. Illustrated talk by Monica Nucciarone. February 11, 2010.

• History of Hawai‘i Hospitals. Illustrated talk by Dr. Benjamin B. C. Young. April 30, 2009.
• Joseph Nāwahī, Documenting Hawaiian Lives and Times. Exhibition of film Biography Hawai‘i: Joseph Nāwahī, followed by panel discussion. September 24, 2009.

• Captain John Meek in Hawai‘i. Illustrated lecture presented by Gail P. Hercher. January 24, 2008.
• Lahaina: Waves of Change. A documentary presented by the filmmakers, Eddie and Myrna Kamae. May 29, 2008.
• Recovering Kalaupapa's Voices from the Distant Past. Illustrated lecture presented by Anwei Skinsnes Law. October 30, 2008.

• The Story of Lāna‘i. Talk story and photo essay presented by Richard M. Towill. November 8, 2007.
• Barefoot on Lava: Naturalist R.C.L. Perkins in Hawai‘i, 1892–1901. An illustrated presentation by Neal L. Evenhuis. September 13, 2007.
• Chang Apana: Real Life Charlie Chan. A video and lecture presentation by Nanette Napoleon and Eddie Croom. April 26, 2007.
• Railroads of the Island of Hawai‘i: A Fifty-Year History. A slide-show presentation by Ian Birnie. March 22, 2007.
• By Gavan Daws: The Writer and His Books. A talk by author Gavan Daws. January 25, 2007.

• The History of Hawaiian Music. A presentation by H. K. Bruss Keppeler. September 21, 2006.
• Ka Mooolelo Hawaii: The Beginnings of Written History. Discussions by Edith McKinzie, Noelani Losch, Collette Leimomi Akana, Noelani Arista, and M. Puakea Nogelmeier. June 1, 2006.
• Fortunate Exception: Hawai‘i and the Internment of Japanese Americans During World War II. Presentations by Tom Coffman, Greg Robinson, and Tetsuden Kashima. May 10, 2006.
• Kauka Makalua: Searching for the First Hawaiian Doctor of Western Medicine. A presentation by Dr. Benjamin B. C. Young. March 23, 2006.

• Hawai'i 1945: A 60-Year Retrospective on the End of World War II. Presentations by Dan Boylan, Tom Coffman, William S. Richardson, James Burns, and Ted Tsukiyama. September 7, 2005.
• Mapping the Lands & Waters of Hawai‘i: Place and the Hawaiian Government Survey. A presentation by Gary L. Fitzpatrick. May 19, 2005.

• Hawaiian Olympians: Legends of the Past. A panel discussion moderated by Wesley Nakama and featuring William Smith, Tommy Kono, Keala O'Sullivan Watson, Chris Woo, Kevin Asano, and Brian Viloria. September 9, 2004.
• Mo‘olelo o Kaho‘olawe: Memories as History. A film showing, panel discussion, and performance program featuring Noa Emmett Aluli, Beadie Kanahele Dawson, Cami Kanoa, Ian Lind, Derek Mar Jr., Mike Naho‘opi‘i, Rowland B. Reeve, Hardy Spoehr, ‘Ekela Kaniaupi‘o Crozier, and Jon Osorio. May 13, 2004.
• Pohaku: The Art & Architecture of Stonework in Hawai‘i. A panel discussion moderated by David Cheever and featuring Nancy Bannick, Chuck Ehrhorn, Frank Haines, and Andrew Yanoviak. March 4, 2004.

• Mele ‘Aimoku, In Praise of a King. A program commemorating the birthday of King Kalakaua and featuring presentations by Edith McKinzie, Anthony Lenchanko, Kihei de Silva, Keola Cabacungan, and Keali‘i Reichel. November 16, 2003.
• Buke Mele Lahui, National Songs of Hawai‘i. A program featuring presentations by Leilani Basham, Noenoe Silva, Amy Ku‘uleialoha Stillman, Keali‘i Reichel, Kihei DeSilva, and M. Puakea Nogelmeier. September 27, 2003.
• Anatomia, 1838: The First Medical Textbook in the Hawaiian Language. A presentation by translator Esther T. Mookini. May 8, 2003.
• Amelia Earhart’s Disappearance: The Phoenix Islands Hypothesis. A presentation by archaeologist Thomas F. King. March 6, 2003.

• Dancing Backwards: Researching the History of Korean Dance in Hawai‘i. A slide and video presentation by Judy Van Zile. May 9, 2002.
• Hawai‘i Place Names: Shores, Beaches, and Surf Sites. A presentation by John R. Kukeakalani Clark. March 14, 2002.

• Koreans on the Plantations: The Early Years. A lecture by Wayne K. Patterson. May 23, 2001.

• John A. Burns, 25 Years After. A slide-lecture program by Dan Boylan. May 11, 2000.