Maui’s Filipino community hosts preview to 120th sakada anniversary celebration

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Dec. 20 marks the 120th anniversary of the arrival of the first Filipino plantation workers in Hawaii, with several events planned across the state.

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On Sunday, Oct. 25, at 2 p.m. at the Maui Beach Hotel, community leaders held a special Filipino American History Month event to preview their upcoming celebration on Dec. 20.

Accomplished Maui artist Philip Sabado gave the Maui community a first look at a new painting commissioned by local restaurateurs and business leaders Tante and Tilie Urban that will be used as part of the statewide celebration. The painting will be officially unveiled at a ceremony on Nov. 3 at the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu. The plan is to showcase the painting at various commemoration events across the state.

Sabado and the Urbans are descendants of sakadas and work to preserve the history to remind future generations of their sacrifices.

Bahay Kubo Heritage Foundation and Binhi at Ani Filipino Community Center will host the December event called “Sakada Sacrifices…Our Future.”

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In 2015, then-Governor David Ige signed a law establishing December 20 as “Sakada Day” in the state and recognizing “the Filipino community has contributed significantly and substantially to the history, economy, culture, and heritage of Hawaii.”

For more information, contact Alfredo G. Evangelista at (808) 294-5510 or [email protected].

On Oahu, the annual Sakada History Day will take place on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hawaii’s Plantation Village in Waipahu.

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