Earlier, as invited guests began trekking up the hill to the East West Center’s Keoni Auditorium, some carried what appeared to be gifts for the Dalai Lama. 

One man, dressed in a malo and red kikepa, carried a clear bag of fresh fish — possibly opelu or awa’awa. 

Two other men, dressed in aloha shirts, carried wooden canoe paddles. 

Security is tight outside. University of Hawaii campus security, state sheriffs, and Honolulu police officers are all stationed outside. Drivers, bicyclists and morning joggers approaching the area have been turned away. 

— Nanea Kalani