September 2024 ushers in , a vibrant celebration honoring the legacy of ±á²¹·É²¹¾±ʻ¾±¡¯²õ last reigning monarch, Queen Liliʻuokalani, and the rich cultural heritage of the Hawaiian people.
Organized by the Â鶹´«Ã½ Ponoʻī Coalition in collaboration with the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹¡¯s , this month-long event will feature activities both in-person and online beginning Sunday, September 1.
“It¡¯s especially important because when you don¡¯t know the community in which you live you¡¯re really an outsider to that community,” said Jon Kamakawiwoʻole Osorio, dean of Â鶹´«Ã½nuiākea. “Hawaiian Studies is a center [at UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹] that was born out of a deep desire by our own people to actually know more about the history that places us in conflict with America. We don¡¯t study these things just as grievance; we study these things as an understanding of how we should see the future.”
First week events
The celebrations will kick off on September 1 with the Eō e Liliʻu concert at Kawaiahaʻo Church, a musical tribute to Queen Liliʻuokalani. The event will showcase her compositions, performed by hālau hula (hula schools) and some of ±á²¹·É²¹¾±ʻ¾±¡¯²õ leading choirs. Both live and online audiences are encouraged to sing along to the mele (songs) in a collective celebration of the Queen¡¯s life and contributions.
On September 2, Queen Liliʻuokalani¡¯s 186th birthday will be commemorated with a memory walk from St. Andrews to ʻIolani Palace. The public is invited to enjoy free tours of the palace, along with theatrical performances and a short film showcase that delve into the Queen¡¯s lasting impact on Hawaiian culture and history.
On September 4 and 6, Â鶹´«Ã½nuiākea faculty will lead panel discussions at the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center. These panels will explore the U.S.¡¯s imperial legacy in Oceania, focusing on events in 1898 and their enduring effects on the lands and people of Â鶹´«Ã½. Discussions will also address the challenges faced by these communities today and look toward the future.
More Hawaiian History Month events
- September 11, 13: Hoʻōla: History of Hawaiian Health
- September 19, 20: Panel discussions with UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ director, playwright, and cast of the new hana keaka (Hawaiian theatre play)
- September 27, 28: World premiere of Puana at Kennedy Theatre
“Hawaiian History Month is a time to reflect on the enduring legacy of Queen Liliʻuokalani, a leader whose commitment to peace, justice, and the well-being of her people continues to inspire us today,” said Malia Nobrega, director of strategic partnerships at Â鶹´«Ã½nuiākea who helped organize events.
For more information on the schedule of events go to the .