Princess Ka'iulani: Hope of a Nation, Heart of a People (Incredible Lives for Young Readers

by Sharon Linnéa

The most beloved figure in Hawaiian history, Crown Princess Ka iulani was born to lead her people as queen, but instead helped them find an identity and a voice as Hawaiian Americans.

On March 1, 1893, Princess Ka iulani, the seventeen-year-old crown princess of Hawaii, stepped onto the pier at New York City. She was greeted by a crowd of reporters and onlookers who knew that, in many ways, she stood at a crossroads in history.

This biography tells the fascinating—and little-known—story of Princess Ka iulani s life and courageous fight for Hawaiian independence. Using many newly translated journals and letters, Sharon Linnéa introduces young readers to the most beloved figure in Hawaiian history, and one of America s most overlooked Christian heroines.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir, Royalty, American History, Womens Studies

252 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1998

About the author

The author of bestselling thrillers and award-winning biographies, Sharon enjoys creating protagonists who face adversity with determination, optimism and humor. Her most recent is Avalon Nash, a bartender whose penchant for “collecting stories” leads her to find motives for murder hidden from others. Sharon would be happy to send you a free booklet of Avalon’s favorite cocktails if you email her at Sharon@SharonLinnea.com with the subject line Drinks to Die For.

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Reviews

[Kurt · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I finish up my eleven-week sojourn on the island of Oahu, I feel a mixture of emotions – sadness to be leaving this beautiful place that I love, eagerness to get home, and gratitude for the combination of events throughout my life that made it all possible.

While here, my wife and I became good friends with a woman who helped us in many ways. When I was running low on reading material, she was kind enough to loan me this book. I was not too interested in the subject matter at first, but after finally getting around to it, I quickly read about this sad and interesting period in the history of Hawaii.

The story of Princess Ka'iulani, just like the history of the native Hawaiians itself, is heartbreaking. This book made me want to delve much deeper into the history of Hawaii and of all the native people of the Pacific islands.

[Heidi Burkhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first saw this book at the beach on the Big Island. I recorded the title and found it at the library when I returned home. What a terrific book about Hawaiian Royalty, and especially the beautiful and tragic story of Princess Ka'iulani. For anyone who is interested in Hawaiian history this is really helpful. The book was filled with many photographs which helped to tell the story.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved reading about this amazing girl Princess. Well written. Just sorry to realize what a sad part we played in Hawaiian history. The Photos added to the book. Well done. Lovely cover. I now want to read Linnea's book "Raoul Wallenberg."

[Carolyn Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about the short but significant life of Princess Ka'iulani and learning more about the history of Hawaii in the late 19th century and the fall of the Hawaiian monarchy. This biography includes extensive excerpts from Princess Ka'iulani's letters, giving a sense of her personality and commitment to serving the Hawaiian people through monarchy, republic and American annexation. The book ends quite abruptly after the Princess's death and I would have been interested in reading more about the descendants of the Hawaiian royal family today.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew nothing of the history of the Hawaiian monarchy other than they had a queen at the end. This thoroughly readable book describes tbe monarchy, jncluding its failings and covers tbe Princess's short life. She was born to a royal Hawaiian mother and Scottish father and destined to become Queen herself. After the shameful overthrow of the monarchy, the Princess worked tirelessly to prevent annexation to thw US. However, her valiant efforts were in vain.

Those with an interest in Hawaiian history and US history will benefit from reading this book. Amazon lists it as suitable for ages 10 and up.

[Nalani Corpuz · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is also a movie titled 'Princess Kai'ulani. " This is an amazing documentary of the struggles the Hawaiian Monarchy. In 1893, the Hawaiian Monarch was overthrown by the United States. Kamehameha Schools was created by Bernice Pauahi Bishop. In her will, she wanted her monies to be utilized to create a school for Hawaiian children. Her husband, Charles Reed Bishop, ensured her will was carried out. Princess Kai'ulani is a mere reflection of the hearts of many Hawaian people. We are strong and resilient as Princess Kai'ulani was through her lifetime. Her legacy lives on.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this at the small gift store at the Hulihee Palace in Kona. This book was a great overview of the very end of the Hawaiian royalty. (I didn't realize when I purchased it that it was really for more of a teen reader but it sources some interesting books that I'll be reading for more in-depth accounts). That being said, it was well-written and had some great old historic photographs.

[Claudie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about Princess Ka'iulani of Hawaii! Very informative on how Princess Ka'iulani fought for Hawaiian independence. I'm not the type of person to read a book over and over, once I'm done I'm done. But for some reason, I love reading this book over and over.

[Lkb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book while on a recent trip to Hawaii, hours after touring Iolani Palace, where I was greatly moved by the story of Hawaii's monarchy. This book is a very good introduction to this remarkable young girl who was truly the beloved hope of a nation.

The book is very well researched and the text is accompanied by many photographs. It is an engrossing read about a rather unpleasant, too-little-known part of U.S. history.

While the author has certainly done her research, I knocked off half a star because I hoped for a little more:
What was it like for the princess of a tropical nation to go to school at a tiny boarding school in England?

I read elsewhere after I finished the book that the princess was a bit of a spendthrift and she and her father had money troubles. I would have liked to have learned more.

Lastly. I would have liked a brief epilogue summarizing what happened to the princess' surviving family, friends, and locations. Yes, there is Google, and Wikipedia, but a quick summary would have been nice.

Overall, however, an enjoyable, engrossing read. Highly recommended

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very interesting biography about a fascinating person and time period, and taught me a little about the history of Hawaii. I would say the writing was not the best; it didn’t read smoothly for me. It is a young adult book (I picked it up in the children’s section at the library while looking for unique biographies for my 4th-6th graders’ “Living Museum” project) but I don’t know any children of that age range who would be interested in reading this book. Perhaps it would be appropriate for high school students. I won’t be using it for teaching purposes in the future. I did enjoy it as an adult, however.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book from Haleiwa, Oahu and did not realize the book was intended for young adults and I am glad I did not. I think this is a great book for those who want to be familiarize with Hawaiian history but not willing to invest so much time. I wish I have had read this book before my trip to Hawaii to make it a more memorable visit. My suggestion would be get this book and read while waiting for the plane and in the plane so by the time you landed the great islands of Hawaii, you would be done with the book and your trip would be more informative.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very moving history of Hawaii and the greed that progressively diminished its importance as told through respected correspondence and newspaper accounts from well over a century ago. But most importantly it is a tribute to the young princess who accomplished much in her short life and why her memory is still important all these years later.
I won this audiobook in a giveaway, but it's certainly worth the money if I had known about it.
Almost forgot to mention that narrator Jessica Schell was wonderful!

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book felt a lot like old timey photographs - enough to paint of portrait but missing the humanity. This rendition of Princess Kaiulani felt perfect, poised, and spiritual but missing realness. It's a good intro book and one of the better biographies of Kaiulani since there are not many to choose from. What makes it an engaging read is the photographs and the letters from the princess herself.

[Melanie Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is well written and brings to live Princess Kaiulani with photos and personal letters. The history of how Hawaii became a state of America is also very interesting and describes the discrimination of the day of native people.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun to read if you’re in HI.

[Claire Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was born in Honolulu, but grew up in California, I felt like I was catching up on my Hawaiinish history. Truly wonderful book

[Dotty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, but what a sad story and yet another black blot on the history of the United States. Colonialism at it’s worst.

[Rosalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ordered this from the library, thinking that I was ordering the movie, I decided to read it anyway. It was really interesting. I knew some of this history, but not really in any detail.It covers the story of Ka'iulani, the last crown princess of Hawaii. She appeared to be a charming, educated and dedicated young royal for Hawaii. I just finished the White Rose about Evangelina Cisernos from Cuba during the Spanish American War. I didn't know much about that and didn't really remember how much the Spanish American War influenced the annexation of Hawaii by the United States.
I say over and over that I have learned so much about history by reading and reading things that I didn't even know I was going to learn anything from. Teach your children to read!!!! And teach them their history, it should figure into to every political decision that they ever make.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tremendous peak into the end of a monarchy & the annexation of US's 50th state due to political pressure from corporate greed. I guess nothing is new under the son. Sanford Dole, of Dole Plantation fame, pressed until he got what he wanted - Hawaii.

What happened to Hawaii's last Princess was fascinating to me. I imagine it was nothing new either. But I had never read about anything like this before. I found in intriguing.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw the movie and it sparked my interest in Princess Ka'iulani. The movie didn't do her justice (big surprise) and I learned what a beautifully true princess this young woman was. She showed nobility of spirit and a true heart that loved her people and cared about what happened to them-- like a true queen. I want my daughters to learn about her. Her life was so short but well lived with courage.

[Kathleen Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book before the series book and it was wonderful. It amazes me that the Hawaiian people have managed to survive so called civikization and the tragic story of this young girl touched my heart.

[Heather Denigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book--I think I was fourteen or so when I read it--and was inspired to find out about this young woman, and a strong, beautiful, one at that, who was both an ambassador for her people and a Christian.

[Lisya Nahmias · Rating 2 out of 5]

- I read this one in 2 days during a vacation in Hawaii.
- It's short and sweet and tells the sad story of the Princess while also giving lovely details about Hawaiian culture, superstitions and life style.

[Alesia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking little known history of the Hawai'ian Monarchy.

[♥Meagan♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very very interesting biography of the last princess of Hawaii. Very well done. I did not realize that there was so much to the history of Hawaii.

[Suzannah Rowntree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating and readable biography of an overlooked historical heroine.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The history of the last princess of Hawaii, Princess Ka'iulani. Her story is very interesting.