ʻOnipaʻa Commemoration

About the ʻOnipaʻa Commemoration

The ʻOnipaʻa Commemoration is a significant event that honors Queen Liliʻuokalani and acknowledges the historical injustice of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Scheduled for January 16th, 2026, this event marks a pivotal moment in Hawaiian history and serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of the Hawaiian people.

The term "ʻOnipaʻa" means "steadfast, resolute, and firm" in Hawaiian. It was Queen Liliʻuokalani's motto and represents her unwavering commitment to her people and kingdom despite the challenges she faced. Today, it symbolizes the continued resilience and determination of the Hawaiian people in preserving their culture, traditions, and sovereignty.

Historical Significance

On January 17, 1893, the Hawaiian Kingdom was illegally overthrown by a group of American businessmen and sugar planters, with the support of U.S. Minister John L. Stevens and a contingent of U.S. Marines. Queen Liliʻuokalani, Hawaii's last reigning monarch, yielded her authority under protest, stating:

"I, Liliʻuokalani, by the grace of God and under the constitution of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Queen, do hereby solemnly protest against any and all acts done against myself and the constitutional government of the Hawaiian Kingdom by certain persons claiming to have established a Provisional Government of and for this Kingdom... Now, to avoid any collision of armed forces and perhaps the loss of life, I do, under this protest, and impelled by said force, yield my authority until such time as the Government of the United States shall, upon the facts being presented to it, undo the action of its representatives and reinstate me in the authority which I claim as the constitutional sovereign of the Hawaiian Islands."

The ʻOnipaʻa Commemoration serves as a reminder of this historical injustice and honors Queen Liliʻuokalani's dignified response and her commitment to peace and the well-being of her people.

Theme: Mai Poʻina ʻOe Iaʻu (Don't Forget About Me)

The theme for the 2026 ʻOnipaʻa Commemoration is "Mai Poʻina ʻOe Iaʻu," which translates to "Don't Forget About Me." This theme honors Queen Liliʻuokalani's legacy and addresses current issues facing the Hawaiian people, including the ending of military leases and the return of Hawaiian lands.

This commemoration is about resilience, remembrance, and the unifying of the lāhui (Hawaiian nation/people), connecting past injustices with present-day justice and Aloha ʻĀina (love of the land).

Purpose of the Commemoration

The ʻOnipaʻa Commemoration serves multiple purposes:

• To honor Queen Liliʻuokalani and her legacy of leadership, compassion, and resilience
• To acknowledge the historical injustice of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom
• To reaffirm the principle of ʻOnipaʻa (steadfastness) in the face of ongoing challenges
• To promote unity among the Hawaiian people and their supporters
• To educate the public about Hawaiian history, culture, and sovereignty
• To connect historical injustices with contemporary issues affecting the Hawaiian people

The commemoration is designed to be a solemn, powerful, and meaningful event that brings together people from all walks of life who share a commitment to justice, respect, and the preservation of Hawaiian culture and sovereignty.

Event Details

Date and Time

Date: January 16th, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Location and Route

The ʻOnipaʻa Commemoration will begin at the Royal Mausoleum (Mauna ʻAla) and proceed to ʻIolani Palace.

Starting Point: Royal Mausoleum (Mauna ʻAla), 2268 Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96817
Ending Point: ʻIolani Palace Grounds, 364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813

The procession will follow a designated route through downtown Honolulu, passing by significant historical sites related to the Hawaiian monarchy and the overthrow.

Schedule of Events

Procession Order

The procession will be organized in the following order:

1. The Queen's Court Procession, flanked by Kahili Bearers
2. The Queen's Court Kiaʻi (guardians) safeguarding the integrity of the procession
3. The Royal Family, Hawaiian Leaders, and Head Chanters
4. Native Hawaiian Activist Leader Groups
5. Organizations that Support Native Hawaiian Rights
6. Schools (Students, Faculty, and Staff)
7. Community Members

Hae Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian flag) Bearers will be integrated throughout the procession, especially with the leading groups.

Participation Guidelines

Who Can Participate

The ʻOnipaʻa Commemoration is open to all who wish to honor Queen Liliʻuokalani and support the Hawaiian people with respect and reverence. This includes:

• Native Hawaiians and their families
• Cultural practitioners and organizations
• Educational institutions and students
• Community organizations and advocacy groups
• Government representatives
• Visitors and residents who support the purpose of the commemoration

While the event is open to all, participants are expected to approach the commemoration with respect, understanding, and a willingness to follow the established protocols and guidelines.

Registration

To ensure the smooth organization of the event and to provide participants with necessary information, registration is encouraged for all participants, especially for groups and organizations.

Registration will open on July 1st, 2025, and will remain open until December 31st, 2025, or until capacity is reached. To register, please visit our website at www.queenscourt.org/onipaa2026 or contact our event coordinator at onipaa2026@queenscourt.org.

Appropriate Attire

Participants are encouraged to dress in a manner that reflects the solemnity and significance of the occasion. Recommended attire includes:

• Traditional Hawaiian attire such as holokū, muʻumuʻu, or formal aloha attire
• Black, white, or subdued colors as a sign of respect
• Comfortable footwear suitable for walking in the procession
• Lei or other traditional adornments are welcome but not required

Please avoid casual attire such as shorts, tank tops, or clothing with inappropriate messages or imagery.

What to Bring

Participants are encouraged to bring:

• Water in a reusable container
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, umbrella)
• Any personal medications or necessary items
• Hoʻokupu (offerings) if you wish to present them during the protocols
• A small folding chair if you have mobility concerns (limited seating will be available at ʻIolani Palace)

Please note that large bags, signs with sticks, and other potentially hazardous items may not be permitted on the palace grounds. We encourage participants to travel light and to focus on the spiritual and cultural significance of the event.

Behavioral Expectations

All participants are expected to conduct themselves with dignity, respect, and aloha throughout the commemoration. This includes:

• Following the guidance of event organizers, cultural practitioners, and security personnel
• Maintaining a respectful demeanor, especially during protocols and ceremonies
• Refraining from disruptive behavior, loud conversations, or inappropriate language
• Being mindful of the space and needs of others, particularly kupuna (elders) and those with mobility challenges
• Treating all sacred sites, artifacts, and symbols with the utmost respect
• Refraining from political demonstrations or actions that detract from the unity and purpose of the event

The ʻOnipaʻa Commemoration is intended to be a unifying event that brings together people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives in a spirit of respect, remembrance, and commitment to justice.

How to Support the Commemoration

There are many ways to support the ʻOnipaʻa Commemoration, even if you are unable to attend in person:

Volunteer Opportunities

We need volunteers to help with various aspects of the commemoration, including:

• Logistics and setup
• Participant registration and check-in
• Route marshals and safety monitors
• First aid and support services
• Photography and documentation
• Clean-up and restoration

To volunteer, please complete the volunteer registration form on our website or contact our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@queenscourt.org.

Donations

The ʻOnipaʻa Commemoration is funded through donations and grants. Your financial support helps cover the costs of permits, equipment, materials, and support services. Donations can be made:

• Online through our secure donation portal at www.queenscourt.org/donate
• By mail to: The Queens Court, P.O. Box 12345, Honolulu, HI 96813 (please note "ʻOnipaʻa 2026" in the memo line)
• By phone at (808) 555-1234

All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

In-Kind Contributions

We also welcome in-kind contributions such as:

• Water and refreshments for participants
• Printing services for educational materials
• Transportation services
• First aid supplies
• Audio-visual equipment

To discuss in-kind contributions, please contact our event coordinator at onipaa2026@queenscourt.org.

Spread Awareness

Help us spread awareness about the ʻOnipaʻa Commemoration and its significance by:

• Sharing information about the event on social media
• Discussing the historical significance of the overthrow and Queen Liliʻuokalani's legacy with friends, family, and colleagues
• Organizing educational events or discussions in your community
• Encouraging others to learn about Hawaiian history and culture