- Queen Liliuokalani, 1838-1917, the last reigning monarch of Hawaii, was known for her power and grace as a leader. A deeply religious humanitarian, she inherited a throne threatened by racial and economic tension. Liliuokalani staunchly believed in her monarchy and aggressively promoted self-governance for Hawaii. Her desire to return Hawaii to Hawaiians was manifested in her work for the advancement of the health, education, and welfare of native Hawaiians. A gifted composer, she published many songs, chants, and translations, the most famous of which was “Aloha Oe” or “Farewell to Thee,” written while she was imprisoned. A personal narrative of her life entitled Hawaii's Story by Hawaii’s Queen was an eloquent response documenting her life and her account of the overthrow of her government. She was deposed in 1893 and later imprisoned by the Provisional Government, mainly comprised of American businessmen in Hawaii who would reap economic benefits from sugar exports by annexing Hawaii to Page 383 →the U.S. Her memory and impact on social reforms continues at the Queen Liliuokalani Children’s Center dedicated to the care of neglected children.
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