On September 2, Kamehameha Schools will join other Native Hawaiian-serving organizations in celebrating the 180th birthday of Queen Liliʻuokalani, the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last reigning monarch. The festivities, hosted by the Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī Coalition, will include music, food, hula and historical reenactments of her last days as queen. Kamehameha Schools is a founding member of the coalition which aims to educate those who live in and visit the islands about Hawaiʻi’s true history.
Liliʻu was the sister of King Kalākaua and the hānai sister of Kamehameha Schools founder Bernice Pauahi Bishop. Although her reign was cut short in 1893 by the overthrow of the Hawaiian government, she remains an enduring symbol of hope for her people.
‘Onipa‘a was part of the queen’s motto: “E ‘onipa‘a...i ka ‘imi na‘auao” (Be steadfast in the seeking of knowledge). The following events are part of the Annual ‘Onipaʻa Celebration, and are free and open to the public.
‘ONIPAʻA BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
This festive event will celebrate Queen Liliʻuokalani’s birthday with hula, mele, ‘ono food, Hawaiian crafts, and cultural demonstrations. Admission to ‘Iolani Palace will be free for the duration of the event.
WHAT: ‘Onipaʻa Birthday Celebration
WHERE: ʻIolani Palace Grounds
WHEN: Sunday, September 2
10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The celebration will include an interfaith church service at noon followed by a special tribute to the queen through hula and oli from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. For details visit www.hawaiiponoi.info.
MAI POINA WALKING TOURS
Reservations are filling up fast for “Mai Poina: The Overthrow,” a series of living history walking tours retracing the four pivotal days leading up to the overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy.
Mai Poina means “Never Forget.” During the tour, groups are transported to a Honolulu of 1893 by costumed role-players who interpret the significant events and sites that figured in the overthrow. Characters include a local merchant, sugar cane worker and her majesty Queen Liliʻuokalani herself!
WHAT: Mai Poina Walking Tours
WHERE: ʻIolani Palace
WHEN: September 2, 3, 8 and 9. The one-hour tours will begin at 4:00, 4:20, 4:40 and 5:00 p.m.
Attendees will receive a detailed reader’s guide, with historical information and analysis on the events. Filled with primary source materials, a bibliography, and essays by major Hawaiian scholars, these guides are especially useful for teachers. For details and to secure your reservation, visit www.hawaiiponoi.info, or call 534-8880.
Queen Liliʻuokalani (r) was the hānai sister of Kamehameha Schools founder Bernice Pauahi Bishop (l).
TAGS
onipaa,mai poina,liliuokalani,hawaiian history,community event,sp2020 goal 3
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Kaipuolono Article, Themes, Culture, Community, Newsroom, Community Events
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