The four Hawaiian royal benevolent societies will gather for a first-ever statewide convention at the Ala Moana Hotel this weekend to discuss where they've been, where they are and where they're going.

Age-old traditions dictate that much of what they do is to be shrouded in secrecy. All four groups were founded by ali'i, the ruling chiefs, are steeped in history, and share a common goal of perpetuating the Hawaiian culture and traditions.

The four groups are the Royal Order of Kamehameha I and its sister organization, Na Wahine Hui O Kamehameha I; the 'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu; the Hale O Na Ali'i of Hawai'i; and the Daughters and Sons of Hawaiian Warriors, also known as Mamakakaua.

While the royal societies have not taken strong public stands on political issues since the overthrow, "lately, we've realized sometimes we have to because we're expected to be the leaders in our community," [Hailama] Farden [state president of Hale O Na Ali'i O Hawai'i] said.