Hawaiʻi will celebrate the 177th birthday of 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 Hawaiian Kingdom’s last reigning monarch. 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.
The following events are part of the 9th Annual ‘Onipaʻa Celebration, and are free and open to the public. Kamehameha Schools 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
WHEN: Sunday, September 6
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The celebration will include an interfaith church service at noon and will be followed with 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: Sundays, September 6, 7, 12 and 13
Four tours will be offered between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. on each of the four days.
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.
9th Annual ‘Onipaʻa Celebration
Liliʻu was the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last reigning monarch. Her reign was cut short in 1893 by the overthrow of the Hawaiian government.
The celebration includes Mai Poina walking tours - historical reenactments of her last days as queen. Above, cast member Moanililia Miller starts the tour.
Honolulu Attorney Yuklin Aluli tells the story of what happened after the 1893 overthrow at the end of the walking tour.
KS Communications staffers Mae Russell, Davi Kunishige and Aron Dote were among the volunteers who greeted guests at last year's Mai Poina.
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