The ʻOnipaʻa Peace March took place on Friday, Jan. 16, and commemorates the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, while honoring Hawaiʻi’s last ruling Monarch, Queen Lili‘uokalani. The event, sponsored by Queens Court, LCC, was expected to have more than 4,000 marchers, according to permits filed with the City and County of Honolulu.
Many of those marching the approximately 1.8-mile route were school children who carried Hawaiian flags. The route started at Mauna ʻAla, a burial place for Hawaiian royalty, and ended at ʻIolani Palace, where Queen Lili‘uokalani had ruled. The crowd walked to Nuʻuanu Ave., then Beretania St., followed by Richards St. and S. King St. before ending at the palace.
Keiki participated in the ʻOnipaʻa Peace March on Friday, Jan. 16. (Aloha State Daily Staff) 
Keiki held flags as part of the ʻOnipaʻa Peace March on Friday, Jan. 16. (Aloha State Daily Staff) 
The ʻOnipaʻa Peace March concluded at the steps of ʻIolani Palace on Friday, Jan. 16. (Aloha State Daily Staff) 
Keiki performed as part of the community event held at ʻIolani Palace after the ʻOnipaʻa Peace March on Friday, Jan. 16. (Aloha State Daily Staff)
Kaukaohu Wahilani was the emcee of the event. Speeches were given by Kainoa Azama, Kaniela Ing, Emma Koa, Lanakila Mangauil, Healani Sonoda-Pale and Imaikalani Winchester. The food lines opened after a pule by Kahu Kaleo Patterson.
Jaima Maʻalea, who teaches preschool, took the day off from work to attend.
“I’ve always wanted to come but work and life has always prevented me,” she said. “And so finally, I said, ʻThis is the year,’ and here I am. I think it's something that everybody — or at least kanaka — should experience at least once.”
The event included hula performances from keiki and adults, as well as speeches and musical performances. There were also informational booths hosted by nonprofits. Find the full event schedule here.
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Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
