Every year on the Friday closest to January 17, thousands gather in Honolulu for the ʻOnipaʻa Peace March, a solemn procession commemorating the 1893 overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom and honoring Queen Liliʻuokalani, the last reigning monarch of Hawaii. On Friday, January 16, 2026, marking 133 years since the illegal overthrow, the annual march will once again bring together Native Hawaiians, local residents, students, and visitors in a powerful display of cultural remembrance and peaceful solidarity. Starting at Mauna ʻAla, the Royal Mausoleum, and culminating at ʻIolani Palace in downtown Honolulu, this free public event offers both locals and visitors a profound opportunity to connect with Hawaiian history, witness living culture, and stand in support of Hawaiian sovereignty and justice.
Confirmed Date, Time, and Schedule
Event Details for 2026
Date: Friday, January 16, 2026
Start Time: 8:00 AM (gates open at Mauna ʻAla Royal Mausoleum)
March Begins: 9:30 AM
Event Concludes: Approximately 2:00 PM at ʻIolani Palace
Admission: FREE and open to the public
Daily Schedule
8:00 AM - Mauna ʻAla Royal Mausoleum
- Gates open
- Protocol ceremonies led by Kawaikapuokalani
- Traditional Hawaiian chants (oli)
- Blessing and preparation for march
9:30 AM - March Begins
- Procession departs Mauna ʻAla
- Route follows Nuuanu Avenue to Beretania Street to downtown Honolulu
- Kahili bearers carry sacred feather standards
- Portrait of Queen Liliʻuokalani carried alongside Hawaiian flags
- Participants walk approximately 2.5 miles to ʻIolani Palace
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM - ʻIolani Palace Grounds
- Commemorative ceremonies and speeches
- Live Hawaiian music and entertainment
- Cultural demonstrations and educational exhibits
- Free lunch provided for participants
- School groups and community presentations
Historical Context: Why ʻOnipaʻa Matters
The 1893 Overthrow
On January 17, 1893, a group of American businessmen, supported by U.S. Marines from the USS Boston, illegally overthrew Queen Liliʻuokalani and the Hawaiian Kingdom government. The queen, whose motto was "E ʻonipaʻa i ka ʻimi naʻauao" (Be steadfast in the seeking of knowledge), surrendered under protest to avoid bloodshed among her people.
The overthrow led to:
- End of Hawaiian sovereignty and self-governance
- Establishment of the Republic of Hawaii (1894)
- Illegal annexation by the United States (1898)
- Long-lasting impacts on Native Hawaiian land rights, culture, and political status
The Meaning of ʻOnipaʻa
The word "ʻOnipaʻa" translates to "steadfast" or "immovable" in Hawaiian. It was Queen Liliʻuokalani's personal motto and has become a rallying cry for Hawaiian sovereignty movements and cultural preservation efforts. The annual peace march embodies this spirit of steadfastness in remembering history and advocating for justice.
The First March: 1993 Centennial
The modern ʻOnipaʻa Peace March tradition began on January 17, 1993, the 100th anniversary of the overthrow. Organized by Ka Lāhui Hawaii, an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 people marched from Aloha Tower to ʻIolani Palace in what became the largest demonstration in Hawaii's history. The event included a dramatic re-enactment of the overthrow and powerful speeches calling for recognition of injustice.
Since 2015, the march format has evolved to begin at Mauna ʻAla (the Royal Mausoleum where Hawaiian monarchs are laid to rest) and proceed to ʻIolani Palace, creating a more ceremonial and culturally grounded procession.
The Route: From Mauna ʻAla to ʻIolani Palace
Starting Point: Mauna ʻAla Royal Mausoleum
Address: 2261 Nuuanu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96817
Mauna ʻAla, meaning "fragrant hills," serves as the final resting place for Hawaiian royalty including King Kalākaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani. The morning protocol at this sacred site sets the tone for the march with traditional Hawaiian ceremonies honoring the ancestors.
Getting There:
- Public parking available near the mausoleum (arrive early, fills quickly)
- TheBus Route 4 stops nearby on Nuuanu Avenue
- Rideshare drop-off at 2261 Nuuanu Avenue
- Shuttles available from ʻIolani Palace area (check organizer announcements)
The March Route
The procession follows approximately 2.5 miles through historic Honolulu:
Mauna ʻAla → Nuuanu Avenue (south) → Beretania Street (toward downtown) → approach to ʻIolani Palace grounds
Participants walk at a contemplative pace, often taking 60-90 minutes to complete the route. The march is accompanied by oli (chanting), Hawaiian flags, purple kahili (feather standards), and the portrait of Queen Liliʻuokalani carried ceremonially.
Destination: ʻIolani Palace
Address: 364 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
ʻIolani Palace, the only royal palace on U.S. soil, served as the residence and seat of government for Hawaiian monarchs. It was here that Queen Liliʻuokalani was imprisoned in 1895 after being accused of supporting a counter-revolution. Today, the palace grounds serve as the gathering point for the post-march commemoration.
What to Expect at the Event
Cultural Protocols
The ʻOnipaʻa Peace March is a sacred and solemn commemoration, not a parade or party. Participants should:
- Dress respectfully (aloha wear, comfortable walking shoes)
- Maintain a respectful, contemplative demeanor during the march
- Follow the lead of Hawaiian cultural practitioners for oli and ceremonies
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially during protocol
- Stay hydrated and wear sun protection for the 2.5-mile walk
At ʻIolani Palace
Once the march reaches the palace grounds, the atmosphere shifts to education and community gathering:
Speeches and Testimonies:
- Hawaiian sovereignty advocates
- Cultural practitioners and historians
- Community leaders and activists
- Student representatives
Entertainment:
- Traditional Hawaiian music and hula
- Performances honoring Queen Liliʻuokalani
- Cultural demonstrations
Amenities:
- Free lunch for participants (plan to stay through early afternoon)
- Educational exhibits and materials
- School groups presenting projects on Hawaiian history
- Opportunities to learn about sovereignty issues
Who Should Attend
Local Residents and Hawaiian Community
The march serves as an important annual gathering for Native Hawaiians and local residents to remember shared history, connect with culture, and demonstrate support for Hawaiian sovereignty and justice.
Students and Educators
Many Oahu schools participate in the march as part of Hawaiian history education. Students carry signs, perform oli, and present projects at the palace. It's a powerful living history lesson that brings textbooks to life.
Visitors and Mainland Residents
Respectful visitors are welcome to participate and bear witness. The march offers rare insight into contemporary Hawaiian culture, the ongoing impacts of colonization, and the resilience of Native Hawaiian identity. It's an opportunity to learn history that mainstream tourism often overlooks.
Families
The event is family-friendly and educational for children, though parents should prepare kids for a 2.5-mile walk and explain the solemn nature of the commemoration beforehand.
Practical Information for Participants
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes (2.5 miles on pavement)
- Water bottle (stay hydrated in tropical sun)
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen)
- Light rain jacket (January can bring passing showers)
- Small backpack or bag for personal items
- Hawaiian flag or respectful signage (optional but encouraged)
What NOT to Bring
- Large bags or backpacks (security considerations)
- Alcohol or recreational substances
- Disrespectful signage or costumes
- Expectations of a party atmosphere
Parking and Transportation
Public Parking:
- Limited street parking near Mauna ʻAla (arrive before 7:30 AM)
- Downtown Honolulu parking garages within walking distance of ʻIolani Palace
- Consider parking downtown and taking shuttle to Mauna ʻAla
Public Transit:
- TheBus serves both Mauna ʻAla area and downtown Honolulu
- Check routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 13 for connections
Shuttles:
- Organizers typically arrange shuttles between ʻIolani Palace and Mauna ʻAla
- Check event social media (@KaLahuiHawaii1893 on Facebook) for updates
Accessibility
The march route follows public sidewalks and streets. Participants with mobility challenges can:
- Drive directly to ʻIolani Palace and join the gathering there
- Contact organizers about accessibility accommodations
- Use mobility aids on the walking route (pace is slow and accommodating)
Connecting with Hawaiian History Year-Round
September ʻOnipaʻa Celebrations
In addition to the January peace march, Hawaii celebrates Queen Liliʻuokalani's birthday in September with:
- ʻOnipaʻa Birthday Celebration at ʻIolani Palace
- Interfaith church services
- "Mai Poina: The Overthrow" living history walking tours
- Cultural performances and demonstrations
ʻIolani Palace Tours
Visit ʻIolani Palace throughout the year for guided tours exploring Hawaiian royal history, architecture, and the queen's imprisonment. Tours must be booked in advance through iolanipalace.org.
Bishop Museum
The Bishop Museum in Honolulu houses extensive collections on Hawaiian culture, history, and the monarchy period, offering deeper context for understanding the ʻOnipaʻa commemoration.
Call to Action: Stand with Hawaiian History
The ʻOnipaʻa Peace March 2026 invites you to walk alongside thousands in remembrance, respect, and support for Hawaiian sovereignty and cultural preservation. Whether you're a local resident reconnecting with your heritage, a student learning living history, or a visitor seeking authentic cultural understanding, Friday, January 16 offers a profound opportunity to engage with Hawaii beyond beaches and resorts.
Arrive at Mauna ʻAla Royal Mausoleum by 8:00 AM, wear comfortable shoes and respectful attire, and prepare to walk 2.5 miles through Honolulu's historic streets to ʻIolani Palace. Bring water, bring humility, and bring willingness to listen and learn. When the march begins at 9:30 AM and the kahili rise above the crowd carrying Queen Liliʻuokalani's portrait forward, you'll be part of a living tradition that honors the past while demanding justice for the future.
ʻOnipaʻa. Be steadfast. Never forget.
Verified Information at a Glance
Event Category: Annual commemorative peace march and cultural gathering
Official Name: ʻOnipaʻa Peace March
Date: Friday, January 16, 2026
Commemoration: 133 years since the 1893 overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom
Schedule:
- 8:00 AM: Gates open at Mauna ʻAla, protocol ceremonies
- 9:30 AM: March begins
- 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Gathering at ʻIolani Palace with speeches, entertainment, free lunch
Starting Location: Mauna ʻAla Royal Mausoleum, 2261 Nuuanu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96817
Ending Location: ʻIolani Palace, 364 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
Distance: Approximately 2.5 miles walking route
Expected Attendance: 7,000+ participants
Admission: FREE and open to the public
Amenities:
- Free lunch for participants
- Shuttles between venues
- Schools welcome
Organizers: Ka Lāhui Hawaii, The Queens Court, Mutual Aid Ka Lahui
Meaning of ʻOnipaʻa: "Be steadfast" (Queen Liliʻuokalani's motto)
Cultural Elements: Protocol at Royal Mausoleum, kahili bearers, Queen's portrait, Hawaiian flags, oli (chanting), commemorative speeches, Hawaiian music and hula
All dates, times, routes, and event details confirmed through official organizer announcements and City of Honolulu street usage permits.
