It is common knowledge that Hawaii is a group of volcanic islands in the central Pacific Ocean that make up the 50th U.S. state. However, how much do we know about Hawaii before it became a U.S. territory? Prior to annexation, it was ruled by a Queen Regent, Lili’uokalani.
Queen Lili’uokalani was the last sovereign of the Kalakaua dynasty, which ruled from 1810. Born as Lydia Lili’u Loloku Walania Kamaka’eha in 1838, she was educated by missionaries and toured the Western world. She became crown princess in 1877. During this time, she worked hard providing charitable services to her people. By the time she took the throne in 1891, a new Hawaiian constitution had removed many of the monarchy’s powers in favor of elite businessmen and landowners (many of them Americans). When Liliuokalani tried to restore these powers, a US military-based coup deposed her and eventually formed a provisional government. Hawaii became a republic in 1894. In 1895, Queen Liliuokalani was arrested and imprisoned after a failed rebellion to restore her back to the throne. She abdicated from the throne in exchange for her supporters being released from prison. Liliuokalani was sentenced to imprisonment in the Royal Palace, but was later pardoned by the Republic of Hawaii in 1896. In 1898, Liliuokalani published her memoir titled “Hawaii’s Story by Hawaii’s Queen.”
Liliuokalani suffered a stroke and died in 1917 at the age of 79.
It is important to note that during the later part of her life, Liliuokalani split her time between Hawaii and the US and tried to get the US to compensate for the problems they caused to Hawaii and the Royal Family. She advocated for her island’s sovereignty and remains a symbol of Hawaiian culture and independence. Despite the fact that Hawaii become a US territory in 1900 and a US state in 1959, she serves as a reminder of the importance to preserve heritage.
The segment, featured in November 23, 1908 Perth Amboy Evening News, mentions the Ex-Queen’s trip to Washington with former Prince Kalaniana’ole.
“The cause of Hawaiian independence is larger and dearer than the life of any man connected with it.”
-Queen Liliuokalani
References
History.com Editors. “Liliuokalani.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 2 Dec. 2009, www.history.com/topics/19th-century/liliuokalani.
“Liliuokalani, Last Queen of Hawaii.” (2020). Royal Central. Received from royalcentral.co.uk/interests/history/liliuokalani-last-queen-of-hawaii-137523/.