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Mai Poina: The Overthrow
Living History Experience at ʻIolani Palace
ABOUT MAI POINA: THE OVERTHROW
Mai Poina: The Overthrow was developed as a walking tour written by local playwright Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl -- a shorter, more concise version of a living history pageant entitled January 1893 that depicted the events that led to the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Recreating four pivital days in history, the tours present dramatic interpretations of history at six stations at and around the ‘Iolani Palace.
The original production was performed in 1993 during the three days prior to the 100th anniversary of the overthrow, and featured over 50 actors performing throughout downtown Honolulu. The walking tour emphasizes little known perspectives of Native Hawaiians and others, such as Japanese, Chinese and European immigrants, who were negatively impacted by the overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy and other subsequent unlawful actions.
Included with each of the nearly two dozen performances are scholar discussions and an extensive Viewer’s Guide that contribute to and encourage open dialogue. We hope you are informed by this presentation of Mai Poina: The Overthrow, and inspired to learn more about Hawai‘i’s true history. Please refer to the Hawaiian history timeline and various essays, archival documents and Bibliography in this Viewer’s Guide below.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where do we check-in prior to the start of the tour?
Meet at the ‘Ewa end of the Hawai‘i State Library. Look for a retractable Hawaiian History Month banner and a table. Our volunteers will be there for the check-in and will kick off your tour together from this spot.
Where do we park?
There is limited parking on ʻIolani Palace grounds and nearby streets, so please plan ahead for your visit.
ʻIOLANI PALACE GROUNDS
Pay station accepts credit cards, bills and coins. The current rate is $4 for two (2) hours. We recommend that you pre-pay for at least 2 hours at the parking pay station to ensure that you have adequate time to walk to and from your car and for your tour.
STREET PARKING
Be aware that street parking may be limited to certain lengths of time and prohibited during morning and afternoon rush hours. Please read posted signs carefully and take note of TOW AWAY information.
PARKING GARAGE
As an alternative, there is a private parking garage at Aliʻi Place (1099 Alakea Street). The current rate is $3 for two (2) hours; each additional 30 minutes is $1.50. Entrance to the Aliʻi Place parking garage is on the right side of Alakea Street between King Street and Hotel Street. Alakea is a one-way Mauka (mountain) bound street.
