Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen

by Liliuokalani

Part memoir, part historical record, this intimate narrative by the first and only queen regnant of Hawaii offers a behind-the-scenes account of the kingdom’s annexation by the US and reckons with the emotional and political fallout of that event.

In this unusually personal document, Queen Liliʻuokalani paints a detailed picture of life in a royal family—something few such figures ever attempt. She shares important memories from her childhood and chronicles her life on the international stage, beginning with her momentous ascension to the throne and ending with her effective overthrow by American businessmen and politicians who had little interest in maintaining Hawaii’s autonomy.

Written while she was in exile, Queen Liliʻuokalani’s autobiography remains a powerful reflection of the Hawaiian sovereignty movement and provides a vivid sense of the queen’s immense pride in her people and her home.

Revised Previously published as Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen, this edition of Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen (AmazonClassics Edition) includes editorial revisions.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, History

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 3, 2022

About the author

From 1891, Lydia Kamakaeha Paki Liliuokalani ruled and governed as the last queen of the Hawaiian Islands to 1893.

Liliʻuokalani was born Lydia Liliʻu Loloku Walania Wewehi Kamakaʻeha. She reigned as the last monarch and only regnant of the kingdom. She was also known as Lydia Kamakaʻeha Pākī, with the chosen royal name of Liliʻuokalani, and her married name was Lydia K. Dominis.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lili%CA...

Reviews

[andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to read her life story told by her!

[Liz DeLise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating story but oh so tragic that such a peaceful and hospitable people were taken advantage of.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hawaii is rightfully a kingdom and someday will be again.

[Leisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was greatly interested in learning more about the history of Hawaii's annexation after I visited and learned a little bit about it on a bus tour, so was trilled when this popped up on Libby.

Lili'uokalani was very well spoken I'm this book. Her prose was beautiful and the reader, I listened to the audio book, did an amazing job with having the queens passion for Hawaii shine through the text. 

I wish this was something that could have been covered in school. We learned a lot about how badly the native Americans were treated during western expansion, but it is very eye opening to learn how badly the Hawaiian People were treated, and not have learned anything about it. 

[Tom Nicholas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am of two minds about this book. I learned so much and the perspective offered was so enlightening that I am very glad I read this book. This is a very grubby segment of American history that was completely passed over in my history education and even the "weren't we terrible" accounts I have read in subsequent years didn't really provide any real clarity about how dramatic, bizarre, and depressing this story was.
That said, there is a lot fluff in this book about who attended what parties, and many snooze-inducing passages that had me at times considering pulling the plug and moving on to another book. But eventually, the story got going and by the final third of the book I was totally bought in.

[Melanie Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

While in Maui I finished reading Hawaii’s Story by Queen Lili’ Uokalani, the last monarch of Hawaii. One of the most famous Hawaiian songs, Aloha’oe was written by Queen Lili’Uokalani. It is a bittersweet goodbye song and you understand why after reading her story. Would recommend to anyone visiting Hawaii who wants to know more of its history just prior to its annexation by the United States of America.

[Manuel Colón · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written five years after her government was overthrown Queen Liliʻuokalani's memoir is a fascinating read. Not only as an insight to her personal life, but understanding how it came to be that the Missionaries that the Hawaiian people welcomed to their islands would eventually take every and anything they could.

[Erin Grace]

Hard to rate this one. I had a hard time following the events at times, but it’s still such an important part of history for us to know about when it comes to how “missionaries” and colonialism ruins everything. Would definitely look into learning more! Loved hearing it straight from the source

[Donna Brinkman · Rating 4 out of 5]

EXCELLENT review of how the UNITED STATES acquired Hawaii

To many names and information but worth reading for a better view of history and what missionaries did. They shared their faith but got greedy for a land not their own. Interesting from the Queen’s words.

[Charlene]

Interesting to learn the origins of Hawaii’s statehood and previous Monarchy.

52 Book Challenge #11. Hawaii

[Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much history I never knew. Hawaiians are such a unique people. Loved this book.