‘Ho‘okia‘i: Lili‘uokalani’

Nov. 11, 2017, marked the 100th anniversary of the passing of Hawaii’s beloved Queen Lili‘uokalani.

“Ho‘okia‘i” means “to post a watch,” which was how the royal societies honored the queen at her services. In this first-person soliloquy by renowned dramatist Jackie Pualani Johnson, Lili‘uokalani stands watch at her own funeral; her deep feelings for her family and her faithful entourage are expressed by the spirit of the queen herself.

She reflects on her love of music and the manner in which music accompanied her on her final journey to entombment at Mauna ‘Ala. Her majesty’s original music will be performed lovingly by the harp and flute duet of Cymber Lily Quinn and Kathy Dorn.

This powerful living history performance is being presented twice at the Lyman Museum and is part of the Patricia E. Saigo Public Program Series.

Performances are slated for 7-8:30 p.m. Monday (Jan. 7) and 3-4:30 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 8).

Admission is free to museum members and $3 for nonmembers. Support the museum by becoming a member and enjoy all Saigo series programs, all year round, at no charge.

Seating is limited; first come, first seated. There also is additional parking, on Monday evenings only, next door at Hilo Union School.

The nationally accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated Lyman Museum showcases the natural and cultural history of Hawaii. Located at 276 Haili St., the museum is open 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

For more information, call 935-5021 or visit www.lymanmuseum.org.