As the sound of oli reverberated through the streets of downtown Honolulu, thousands of kānaka ʻōiwi and kamaʻāina marched in unity, hae Hawaiʻi fluttering in the breeze.
The annual ʻOnipaʻa Peace March, held to commemorate the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom and to honor Queen Liliʻuokalani’s legacy, happened days after the opening of the Hawaiʻi State Legislature’s 2025 session, adding a layer of complexity for Hawaiians determined to hoʻoulu their indigenous identity while navigating American systems.
From Maunaʻala to ʻIolani Palace, Hawaiian students, teachers and residents streamed the streets, with haumāna from Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha standing out in bold lines of blue and white to lead the way. With their kumu, the elementary to high schoolers sang mele and carried banners, choosing to celebrate the resilience of Hawaiʻi’s last queen.
“It’s our kuleana to participate in this march as a remembrance because it brings light to what happened,” said junior Ava Ulufale. “Even though it’s been over 100 years, our people have been through so much and we still remember. America should, too.”
Throughout the day, haumāna offered hoʻokupu, led oli and hula and engaged with educational speakers and booths that delved into the history of Hawaiʻi. The immersive experience left a deep impact on them, many of whom participate consistently like Ulufale.
“We are more active participants in the march because while there is so much mourning still, people utilize that hurt to be powerful and voice their opinions about what should happen in the future,” he said.
Just a day earlier, the Associated Students of Kamehameha Schools attended the opening of the Hawaiʻi State Legislature. At the Capitol, high schoolers from all three campuses met with state leaders and listened to the hopes for the new legislative session, a stark contrast to the reflections of the march. For these students, balancing their identity as Hawaiians with the realities of participating in the U.S. government is a delicate, yet pivotal, intersection.
Senior Angelina Star Woo found empowerment in the experience, drawing strength from her ancestors to confidently engage in spaces dominated by adults.
“When I go into any space, I bring my identity and my values with me,” Woo said. “Being Hawaiian gives me something to fight for and the values to stand on and offer to the table.”
Advocating for issues like food sovereignty and climate change, Woo appreciated hearing directly from decision-makers about their priorities. The ASKS member recognizes that if she wants to better her lāhui in the future, diverse opportunities like these equip her to answer that call.
“Having just a seat at the table, being able to hear what’s happening, why it’s happening, and learning from them is the absolute best thing we can ask for from our current leaders because we hope to impact and create change in our futures,” Woo said.
Classmate Ayceton Aono felt a current of hope at both the march and the legislative opening. Surrounded by fellow kānaka, he shared immense pride in his heritage and was inspired to see Hawaiian leaders in government roles. He and fellow student leader Addis Belay admire community figures who take initiative, like a house representative who got licensed to drive school buses during a shortage, and actively address issues in their districts.
“People always say that the youth are the leaders of tomorrow, but they forget that adults are the leaders of today and they need to be the examples of what they want us to be,” Aono said. “Because one day, it will be one of us up there.”
As the legislative session began and the march concluded, KS haumāna carried the spirit of Queen Liliʻuokalani as they ready themselves to take their place as Hawaiians serving Hawaiʻi. Grounded in their heritage, they are carving out a space where Hawaiian identity and modern governance powerfully coexist, driving the pursuit of cultural and political sovereignty for future generations.
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