Hawaiʻi will celebrate the 178th birthday of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last reigning monarch – Queen Liliʻuokalani – during September, the month of her birth. The festivities will include music, food, hula and historical reenactments of her last days as queen.
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 10th Annual ‘Onipaʻa Celebration, and are free and open to the public. KS is among the sponsors of the events hosted by the Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī Coalition.
‘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 4
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 chant at 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 4, 5, 10 and 11. Tour times are 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.
Liliʻu (r) was the hānai sister of Kamehameha Schools founder Bernice Pauahi Bishop (l).
Royal Hawaiian Bandmaster Clarke Bright leads the band through a selection of Hawaiian mele to honor the queen at the 2015 'Onipa'a event.
A Hawaiian legislator played by Charles Timtim recounts the events leading up to the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy as part of the historical walking tours.
KS volunteers Jeff Johnson, Piʻilani Hanohano, Tori Nakamatsu-Figaroa, Kauʻi Burgess and Kekoa Paulsen greeted the crowds at the 2015 Mai Poina event.
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