The first conference was held on February 5 and 6, 1981 at the Ilikai Hotel to highlight new developments and research in the gerontological field.  That two-day event also focused on the problems and potential of the elderly, strategies for their care and health maintenance, rehabilitation and housing for the elderly.  It was entitled "Conference on Aging."

Over the years, HPGS has continued to provide a conference which professionals, lay persons, and volunteers concerned with aging can receive, discuss and exchange information and ideas, be kept up-to-date on new developments and research in the gerontological field with speakers and presentations from Hawaii, the Mainland, and foreign countries.

The last HPGS conference was held on September 12 and 13, 2016. Below is from that conference:

We are in the midst of a demographic shift that is shaping the way different generations relate to each other in both private and public spheres. Old age is often perceived as a sign of frailty, dependency, and helplessness, as reflected in a public discourse dominated by the problems of aging. Although people continue to live healthy and independent lives for an average of 13-14 years after they retire, our society has yet to recognize and engage the full potential of our older adults. In recent years, we have seen intergenerational initiatives in the U.S. and abroad that have made great impacts in communities. Intergenerational shared sites have been proven to provide mutual benefits for both young and old participants with regards to their educational, social, and care needs. The conference will be organized in three broad topic areas:

Empowering Communities: Increasing awareness and mobilizing older adults and/or communities in advocacy or other activities that improve the well-being of individuals, families, or the community.

Converging Paths: Promoting private-public partnerships and breaking downs silos across the field of gerontology and beyond to optimize resources in our community to meet the needs of our aging population.

Building Resilience: Developing the capacity of individuals, families, and communities to respond to major life events and crises, including life cycle events and disasters.