Liliuokalani is proclaimed the last monarch and only queen regnant of the Kingdom of Hawaii.

Liliʻuokalani, known officially as Lydia Liliʻu Loloku Walania Kamakaʻeha, holds a singular and poignant place in Hawaiian history as the only queen regnant and the last sovereign monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Born on September 2, 1838, she ascended to the throne on January 29, 1891, ruling until the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom on January 17, 1893. Beyond her political role, she was a prolific composer, most famously known for the timeless melody "Aloha ʻOe," and an insightful author, penning her powerful autobiography, Hawaiʻi's Story by Hawaiʻi's Queen, during her unjust imprisonment following the monarchy's collapse.

Her name, Liliʻuokalani, is pronounced [liˌliʔuokəˈlɐni] in Hawaiian, with the ʻokina (ʻ) representing a glottal stop and the kahakō (line over a vowel) indicating a lengthened vowel sound, both crucial for correct pronunciation and meaning in the Hawaiian language.

Early Life, Education, and Royal Ascension

Liliʻuokalani was born in Honolulu, on the island of Oʻahu, into a distinguished aliʻi (noble) family. While her natural parents were Analea Keohokālole and Caesar Kapaʻakea, she experienced the traditional Hawaiian practice of hānai (informal adoption) from birth. She was lovingly raised by Abner Pākī and Laura Kōnia, sharing her formative years with their daughter, Bernice Pauahi Bishop, who would later become a revered philanthropist. This traditional child-rearing practice was deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture, often fostering familial bonds and distributing resources among the extended family network.

Her education reflected a blend of traditional Hawaiian values and Western influence. Baptized as a Christian, she received a comprehensive education at the esteemed Royal School, established for the children of high chiefs. Alongside her siblings and cousins, she was formally proclaimed eligible for the throne by King Kamehameha III, underscoring her lineage and potential future role. She married American-born John Owen Dominis, who later served as the Governor of Oʻahu. Although the couple had no biological children, they embraced the Hawaiian custom of adoption, raising several children within their household.

Her path to the throne became clearer after her brother, David Kalākaua, ascended to the kingship in 1874. Following this, she and her siblings were granted Western-style titles of Prince and Princess, signifying their elevated status within the international royal context. A pivotal moment occurred in 1877, when the untimely death of her younger brother, Leleiohoku II, led to her official proclamation as heir apparent to the Hawaiian throne. Demonstrating her diplomatic capabilities and commitment to her kingdom, she represented her brother as an official envoy to the United Kingdom during Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, a significant international engagement that showcased Hawaii's sovereignty on the global stage.

A Queen's Reign and the Struggle for Sovereignty

Liliʻuokalani's reign, commencing on January 29, 1891, just nine days after her brother's passing, was marked by her unwavering commitment to restoring the inherent rights and power of the Hawaiian people and their monarchy. Her primary objective was to draft a new constitution that would replace the oppressive "Bayonet Constitution" of 1887. This constitution, imposed upon King Kalākaua under duress, drastically curtailed the monarch's authority and disenfranchised the majority Native Hawaiian population, along with many Asian immigrants, by implementing stringent property qualifications for voting. Conversely, it granted voting rights and significant political power to American and European residents, primarily wealthy sugar planters and businessmen, who had little loyalty to the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Liliʻuokalani's legitimate efforts to abrogate this unjust constitution were perceived as a direct threat by the pro-American elements in Hawaiʻi, largely composed of these powerful foreign business interests. Their ultimate goal was the annexation of the islands to the United States. On January 17, 1893, these conspirators, known as the "Committee of Safety," orchestrated a coup d'état to overthrow the monarchy. Their actions were significantly bolstered by the controversial landing of U.S. Marines from the USS Boston, under the command of U.S. Minister John L. Stevens. Stevens claimed the deployment was to protect American lives and property, a pretext that rendered the Hawaiian monarchy defenseless against the insurgency, as it was unable to deploy its own forces without risking direct conflict with U.S. military personnel.

Overthrow, Imprisonment, and Annexation

The successful coup d'état led to the establishment of the provisional government, which soon transitioned into the Republic of Hawaiʻi. While the immediate goal was to consolidate power, the overarching objective remained the annexation of the islands to the United States. This ambition faced a significant temporary setback due to the principled opposition of U.S. President Grover Cleveland. President Cleveland, upon reviewing the circumstances of the overthrow, deemed it an illegal act and attempted to restore the queen to her throne, though his efforts ultimately proved unsuccessful due to the entrenched power of the Republic's leaders.

In 1895, an unsuccessful royalist uprising, aimed at restoring the monarchy, led to further repression. The oligarchical government, seeking to solidify its control and eliminate any remaining resistance, placed the former queen under house arrest at the ʻIolani Palace. This historic palace, the only official state residence of royalty in the United States, became a symbol of her struggle and perseverance. During this period, on January 24, 1895, Liliʻuokalani was formally compelled to abdicate the Hawaiian throne, a forced act that officially marked the end of the deposed monarchy. Despite continued fervent attempts by loyalists and the queen herself to restore Hawaiian independence and oppose annexation, the geopolitical landscape shifted dramatically with the outbreak of the Spanish–American War in 1898. This conflict provided the United States with the strategic justification it sought, leading to the formal annexation of Hawaiʻi as a U.S. territory in August 1898, without the consent of the Hawaiian people or the deposed sovereign.

Later Life and Enduring Legacy

After the annexation, Liliʻuokalani lived out the remainder of her life as a private citizen, though she never ceased to advocate for the rights and sovereignty of her people. She passed away at her residence, Washington Place, in Honolulu, on November 11, 1917. Washington Place, a significant historical landmark, now serves as the official residence of the Governor of Hawaii, a poignant reminder of its royal past.

Liliʻuokalani's legacy transcends her political struggles. She remains a revered figure for her intellectual prowess, her unwavering dedication to her people, and her profound contributions to Hawaiian culture. Her autobiography provides invaluable firsthand insight into the final years of the Hawaiian Kingdom, while her extensive musical compositions, particularly "Aloha ʻOe," continue to be cherished globally, serving as powerful symbols of Hawaiian identity, love, and resilience. She is remembered not just as a queen who lost her throne, but as a cultural icon, a composer, an author, and an enduring symbol of Hawaiian self-determination and dignity in the face of immense adversity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Queen Liliʻuokalani

What was Queen Liliʻuokalani's full name?
Her full given name was Lydia Liliʻu Loloku Walania Kamakaʻeha. She adopted the name Liliʻuokalani upon becoming heir apparent to the throne, signifying "the royal one."
Why is Liliʻuokalani considered so important in Hawaiian history?
Liliʻuokalani is profoundly important as the only reigning queen and the last sovereign monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Her reign, though brief, was marked by courageous attempts to restore her people's rights against foreign domination, and her life epitomized the struggle for Hawaiian sovereignty and cultural preservation. She is also revered for her intellectual contributions as an author and composer.
What was the "Bayonet Constitution" and how did it affect Liliʻuokalani's reign?
The "Bayonet Constitution" (officially the Constitution of 1887) was a document forced upon King Kalākaua, significantly reducing the monarch's power and disenfranchising Native Hawaiians and Asian immigrants by imposing strict property and income requirements for voting. It empowered foreign businessmen. Liliʻuokalani's attempts to abrogate this constitution and restore power to the monarchy and her people directly led to her overthrow by pro-American factions.
When was the Hawaiian monarchy overthrown, and what role did the U.S. play?
The Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown on January 17, 1893, by a group of pro-American businessmen and residents known as the "Committee of Safety." While the U.S. government did not officially sanction the coup, the landing of U.S. Marines from the USS Boston, under the direction of U.S. Minister John L. Stevens, provided crucial support and deterrence that rendered the monarchy powerless to resist.
Did Liliʻuokalani write any books or songs?
Yes, Liliʻuokalani was a prolific and talented composer and author. Her most famous composition is the beloved song "Aloha ʻOe." She also penned her autobiography, Hawaiʻi's Story by Hawaiʻi's Queen, a powerful account of her life, reign, and the overthrow, written during her imprisonment.
Where did Liliʻuokalani live her final years, and where did she die?
After the annexation of Hawaii, Liliʻuokalani lived as a private citizen at her residence, Washington Place, in Honolulu. She passed away there on November 11, 1917. Today, Washington Place serves as the official residence of the Governor of Hawaii, commemorating its historical significance.