Hawaii's Last Queen Reflects on Her Childhood

Queen Lili'uokalani's autobiography provides a glimpse into life in 19th century Hawaii

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Queen Lili'uokalani, Hawaii's last monarch, was a talented composer and writer who penned an eloquent autobiography titled 'Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen' in 1898. The article explores her childhood, including being adopted by high-ranking chiefs, attending the exclusive Royal School, and growing up alongside her sister Bernice Pauahi. It also details Lili'uokalani's musical gifts, her composition of Hawaii's first national anthem, and the vibrant social life of the Hawaiian royal family in the 19th century.

Why it matters

Queen Lili'uokalani's autobiography offers a rare first-hand account of life in the Hawaiian Kingdom before its overthrow in 1893. Her insights into the customs, traditions, and social dynamics of the Hawaiian royal family provide valuable historical context and humanize the last monarch of the islands.

The details

Lili'uokalani, born Lydia Lili'u Loloku Walania Kamaka'eha, was adopted as a child by high chiefs Abner Paki and Laura Konia and raised alongside her foster-sister Bernice Pauahi. She attended the exclusive Royal School for children of the Hawaiian nobility, where her musical talents were discovered - she could sight-read music and help teach new songs to her classmates. Lili'uokalani went on to compose hundreds of songs, including Hawaii's first national anthem, which was used for over 20 years until her brother King David Kalakaua composed the current anthem 'Hawaii Pono'i'.

  • Lili'uokalani was born on September 2, 1838.
  • She was named heir apparent by her brother King David Kalakaua in 1877.
  • Lili'uokalani composed Hawaii's first national anthem in the early 1860s, during the reign of King Kamehameha V.
  • Her autobiography 'Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen' was published in 1898.

The players

Queen Lili'uokalani

The last monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom, who ruled from 1891 to 1893. She was a talented composer and writer who penned an autobiography providing insights into 19th century Hawaiian royal life.

Bernice Pauahi

Lili'uokalani's foster-sister, who was seven years her senior and described as one of the most beautiful girls Lili'uokalani had ever seen.

King Kamehameha V

The monarch who in the early 1860s noted that Hawaii lacked a national anthem, prompting Lili'uokalani to compose one.

King David Kalakaua

Lili'uokalani's brother, who later composed the words to Hawaii's current national anthem 'Hawaii Pono'i'.

Abner Paki

The high chief who adopted the young Lili'uokalani and raised her alongside his daughter Bernice Pauahi.

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What they’re saying

“There was one boy who could read the new tunes which the teachers were anxious to introduce to the pupils. His name was Willie Andrews.”

— Queen Lili'uokalani (Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen)

“The king was liberal in his commendations to me on my success. He admired not only the beauty of the music, but spoke enthusiastically of the appropriate words, so well adapted to the air (anthem) and to the purpose for which they were written.”

— Queen Lili'uokalani (Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen)

What’s next

The article notes that the author, Bob Sigall, plans to share more about Queen Lili'uokalani in a future column.

The takeaway

Queen Lili'uokalani's autobiography provides a rare first-hand account of life in the Hawaiian Kingdom, offering insights into the customs, traditions, and social dynamics of the Hawaiian royal family in the 19th century. Her story humanizes the last monarch of the islands and highlights her talents as a composer and writer.