Queen Liliʻuokalani: A Historical Timeline
Explore the pivotal moments in the life and reign of Hawaiʻi's last monarch, from her birth to the significant events that shaped her legacy and the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Birth of Liliʻuokalani
Born Lydia Liliʻu Loloku Walania Wewehi Kamakaʻeha on September 2, 1838, in Honolulu, she was the third of ten children of high chiefs Analea Keohokālole and Caesar Kapaʻakea. Her birth linked her to the ancient lineage of Hawaiian royalty, destined for a life of service and leadership.
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Marriage to John Owen Dominis
On September 16, 1862, Liliʻuokalani married John Owen Dominis, an American by birth who held various high-ranking positions, including Governor of Oʻahu and Maui under the Hawaiian monarchy. Their union represented a bridge between traditional Hawaiian nobility and foreign influence, though Dominis remained loyal to the Kingdom.
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Named Heir to the Throne
On April 10, 1877, King Kalākaua, her elder brother, officially proclaimed Liliʻuokalani as his heir apparent. This pivotal moment solidified her position as next in line for the throne, preparing her for the weighty responsibilities of leadership during a tumultuous period in Hawaiian history.
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Ascension to the Throne
Following the sudden death of King Kalākaua in January 1891, Liliʻuokalani ascended to the throne on January 29, 1891, becoming the first and only queen regnant of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Her reign began with a strong commitment to restoring power to the Hawaiian monarchy and revising the restrictive Bayonet Constitution.
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Overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom
On January 17, 1893, a group of American and European businessmen, with the covert support of U.S. Minister John L. Stevens and armed U.S. Marines, illegally overthrew Queen Liliʻuokalani's government. This act marked the end of the Hawaiian monarchy and plunged the nation into a period of uncertainty and injustice.
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Provisional Government Established
Just a week after the overthrow, on January 24, 1893, the Committee of Safety established a provisional government headed by Sanford B. Dole. Their stated goal was the eventual annexation of Hawaiʻi to the United States, further undermining the sovereignty of the Hawaiian people.
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Republic of Hawaii Established
On July 4, 1894, the Republic of Hawaii was proclaimed, with Sanford B. Dole continuing as president. This new government solidified the control of the anti-monarchist forces and further marginalized the native Hawaiian population, despite widespread opposition to the overthrow.
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Arrest and Imprisonment
On January 16, 1895, Queen Liliʻuokalani was arrested and imprisoned in a single room at ʻIolani Palace following a failed counter-revolution by royalist supporters. During her incarceration, she famously penned some of her most poignant compositions, including "Aloha ʻOe," and worked on her memoirs. This date is now powerfully commemorated as ʻOnipaʻa Day, a day of steadfastness and remembrance.
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Annexation of Hawaii
Despite Queen Liliʻuokalani's unwavering protests and massive petitions from the Hawaiian people opposing the move, Hawaiʻi was formally annexed as a territory of the United States on August 12, 1898. This act represented a significant loss of sovereignty for the Hawaiian nation.
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Passing of Queen Liliʻuokalani
Queen Liliʻuokalani passed away peacefully at Washington Place in Honolulu on December 11, 1917, at the age of 79. Her funeral was a grand and poignant affair, combining traditional Hawaiian mourning rites with Christian services, reflecting her deep connection to both her heritage and her faith. She left behind a legacy of resilience, aloha, and a tireless fight for her people.
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Apology Resolution
Nearly a century after the overthrow, the United States Congress passed Public Law 103-150, known as the Apology Resolution, on November 23, 1993. This joint resolution formally apologized to the Native Hawaiian people for the U.S. role in the illegal overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii and the suppression of the inherent sovereignty of the Hawaiian people. It acknowledged the historical injustice and began a path towards reconciliation.
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Centennial of the Overthrow
On January 17, 1993, exactly 100 years after the overthrow, over 10,000 people gathered and marched to ʻIolani Palace in a powerful demonstration of Hawaiian unity and cultural resurgence. This 'Onipaʻa (steadfast) rally underscored the ongoing desire for justice and recognition of Hawaiian sovereignty, coinciding with the passage of the Apology Resolution later that year.
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