A tribute to Hawai‘i’s last ruling monarch and only sovereign queen Lydia Lili‘u Loloku Wewehi Kamaka‘eha or Queen Lili‘uokalani. ‘Onipa‘a, which means steadfast, was the motto of Queen Lili‘uokalani and was integrally woven through every experience of her life.
Living the Spirit of Aloha
Our presentation ‘Onipa‘a is a tribute to Hawai‘i’s last ruling monarch and only sovereign queen Lydia Lili‘u Loloku Wewehi Kamaka‘eha or Queen Lili‘uokalani. She is considered to be one of Hawai‘i’s finest composers and we are proud to share the remarkable stories from Her Majesty’s life, told through her own words, songs and original compositions. ‘Onipa‘a, which means steadfast, was the motto of Queen Lili‘uokalani. The spirit of ‘Onipa‘a was integrally woven through every experience of her life.
Come celebrate the legacy of to the last queen of Hawaii!
Ali'i is the Hawaiian word designated for our honored chiefs, leaders and, royalty, and that is exactly how you will feel as you are greeted with fragrant floral leis, served amazing Hawaiian-inspired dishes, and be entertained by trained dancers as they honor our Alii. Our Executive Chef, Felix Tai, has prepared dishes truly fit for royalty, with some of the freshest fish, choicest cuts of beef and pork, island picked fruits and vegetables, side dishes from traditional to modern and some of the most inventive and delectable desserts found on the island. Come experience our award-winning Ali`i Luau Buffet featuring Onipaa: A Celebration of Queen Liliuokalani. View and download Luau menu.
I am grateful to be here at the Polynesian Cultural Center, and to welcome you to the Gateway Restaurant. Like Hawaii is a Gateway to the Pacific, our menu is a Gateway to the foods of our history. My culinary team and I work to bring the flavors of the these amazing cultures to life every day, so you can share in our history and be inspired by our foods.” — Chef Felix Tai
The Polynesian Cultural Center is a registered 501(c) 3 non-profit dedicated to preserving and perpetuating Polynesian culture, arts and traditions. We also support the educational needs of our student employees from throughout the Pacific Rim attending BYU-Hawaii. Through your visit, you have the satisfaction of knowing that 100% of all profits from our ticket sales are directed towards scholarships and support services for our student employees.
The Aliʻi Lūʻau Onipaʻa honors Queen Liliʻuokalani, Hawaiʻi’s last ruling monarch and only sovereign queen. The experience shares parts of her legacy through music, dance, storytelling, and her own words and compositions. “Onipaʻa” means steadfast, reflecting the spirit closely connected with her life.
“Onipaʻa” means steadfast. It was the motto of Queen Liliʻuokalani and is woven into the lūʻau presentation as a way to honor her strength, leadership, and lasting place in Hawaiian history. The word helps guide the tone of the experience with respect and remembrance.
The Aliʻi Lūʻau buffet includes Hawaiian-inspired dishes prepared with fresh fish, beef, pork, island fruits and vegetables, traditional sides, modern flavors, and desserts. The meal is designed to feel generous and celebratory, with foods that connect guests to Hawaiʻi’s history and Pacific influences.
The Aliʻi Lūʻau Onipaʻa is listed from 4:30 pm to 6:45 pm, lasting about 2.25 hours. That time includes the lūʻau meal and entertainment, giving guests space to enjoy the food, music, cultural presentation, and tribute to Queen Liliʻuokalani without feeling rushed.
Yes, the Aliʻi Lūʻau Onipaʻa is included with the Super Ambassador and Aliʻi Lūʻau packages at the Polynesian Cultural Center. It brings together a floral lei greeting, Hawaiian-inspired dining, trained dancers, and a tribute to Queen Liliʻuokalani as part of the larger cultural experience.
