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Liliʻuokalani

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Liliʻuokalani was the last sovereign monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Lydia Kamakaeha
Lydia Kamakaeha

She was born on September 2, 1838, in Honolulu on the island of Oʻahu. Her name was quite long and special. It was Lydia Liliʻu Loloku Walania Kamakaʻeha. Her name was linked to an eye infection a leader had when she was born.

Royal Monogram of Queen Liliuokalani of Hawaii No Crown
Royal Monogram of Queen Liliuokalani of Hawaii No Crown

Her family belonged to the aliʻi class, which means they were Hawaiian nobility. She was raised through a custom called hānai. This is an informal way to adopt children within families. She lived with her hānai parents, Abner Pākī and Laura Kōnia.

Haleakala - the C. R. Bishop Residence, oil on canvas painting by D. Howard Hitchcock, 1899, Bishop Museum
Haleakala - the C. R. Bishop Residence, oil on canvas painting by D. Howard Hitchcock, 1899, Bishop Museum

Liliʻuokalani received a very thorough education. At age four, she began studying at the Royal School.

Royal Coat of Arms of Hawaii (Kalakaua)
Royal Coat of Arms of Hawaii (Kalakaua)

She learned many subjects like math, music, and history. Teachers taught her reading, spelling, and even physics. She also learned English composition from missionaries. She finished her final exams in 1853. Later, she attended instruction at what is now Punahou School. These studies helped prepare her for her future roles. She was even eligible for the throne as a young student.

Her path to the throne took many years. Her brother, David Kalākaua, became king in 1874. After her brother Leleiohoku II died in 1877, she became the heir apparent. This means she was next in line to rule. She even traveled to the United Kingdom for a royal celebration.

She officially became the queen on January 29, 1891. This happened just nine days after her brother passed away. She was the only queen regnant in the history of her kingdom. Her reign was a very important time for Hawaii.

During her time as queen, she tried to change the laws. She wanted to write a new constitution. This plan would give more voting rights to her people.

Liliuokalani at Waipio, Oahu in 1891
Liliuokalani at Waipio, Oahu in 1891

However, some people did not want these changes. In January 1893, a group called the Committee of Safety led a coup. This group included seven foreign residents and six subjects of American descent. US Marines also landed to protect American interests.

USS Boston landing force, 1893 (PP-36-3-002)
USS Boston landing force, 1893 (PP-36-3-002)

This made it very hard for the monarchy to protect itself. The coup led to a new government in Hawaii.

Liliʻuokalani was a very talented person even during hard times. She was a famous composer of music. She wrote the well-known song "Aloha ʻOe."

Aloha oe song 01
Aloha oe song 01

While she was under house arrest, she wrote her autobiography. It was called Hawaiʻi's Story by Hawaiʻi's Queen. She lived as a private citizen after the islands were annexed. She lived at Washington Place in Honolulu.

Liliuokalani in 1917
Liliuokalani in 1917

She passed away on November 11, 1917. Her life remains a major part of Hawaiian history.

Liliʻuokalani Burial Vault
Liliʻuokalani Burial Vault
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🖼️ Images & Media (15)
File:Lydia Kamakaeha.jpg
Lydia Kamakaeha.jpg
File:Haleakala - the C. R. Bishop Residence, oil on canvas painting by D. Howard Hitchcock, 1899, Bishop Museum.JPG
Haleakala - the C. R. Bishop Residence,...
File:John Owen Dominis (PP-71-2-023).jpg
John Owen Dominis (PP-71-2-023).jpg
File:Liliuokalani in London (PPWD-16-4.014).jpg
Liliuokalani in London (PPWD-16-4.014).jpg
File:Liliuokalani at Waipio, Oahu in 1891.jpg
Liliuokalani at Waipio, Oahu in 1891.jpg
File:USS Boston landing force, 1893 (PP-36-3-002).jpg
USS Boston landing force, 1893 (PP-36-3-002).jpg
File:Liliuokalani entering palace for trial of 1895 (PP-98-12-010).jpg
Liliuokalani entering palace for trial of...
File:Queen_Liliuokalani_Quilt,_Iolani_Palace.jpg
Queen_Liliuokalani_Quilt,_Iolani_Palace.jpg
File:Liliuokalani, photograph by Prince, of Washington (cropped).jpg
Liliuokalani, photograph by Prince, of...
File:Liliuokalani in 1917.jpg
Liliuokalani in 1917.jpg
File:Liliʻuokalani Burial Vault.jpg
Liliʻuokalani Burial Vault.jpg
File:Aloha oe song 01.png
Aloha oe song 01.png

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