The last ruler of the Hawaiian monarchy, Lydia Paki Kamakaeha Liliuokalani (1838–1917) was born in Honolulu and learned to write music as a child. An accomplished musician, she played piano, organ, ukulele, and guitar, and was an expert in sight-reading music.

"I was a studious girl," she explained. "Knowledge has been a passion with me during my whole life, one which has not lost its charm to the present day."

She became queen in 1891 after the death of her brother, David Kalakaua, and inherited a throne weakened by unrest. Many wanted U.S. annexation. Liliuokalani tried, against impossible odds, to establish a new constitution that restored power to the monarchy. In 1893, she was overthrown by a revolt of American businessmen led by Sanford Dole and aided by the U.S. Marines.

"I yield to the superior force of the United States," she explained. "To avoid any collision of armed forces and perhaps loss of life."

In 1895, she was placed under house arrest for eight months at Iolani Palace for her alleged knowledge of a plot to restore the monarchy. While imprisoned, she found comfort in her music and wrote songs celebrating the steadfast love of her heritage.

"The cause of Hawaii and independence is larger and dearer than the life of any man connected with it. Love of country is deep-seated in the breast of every Hawaiian, whatever his station," she once said.

Graceful in spirit and grounded in wisdom, Queen Liliuokalani remains a symbol of peaceful resistance, cultural pride, and enduring aloha. Her voice, through music and conviction, still sings across the islands.