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The story of Hawaii's last native ruler, Queen Liliuokalani, whose seventy-nine years were filled with the drama of history in the making. The daughter of a High Chief, she was adopted at infancy by the royal family of Kamehameha the Great and given every advantage and opportunity befitting a Princess. When a long series of tragic and dramatic events brought an end to King Kamehameha's dynasty, the crown was conferred upon Liliuokalani.
The young Princess had a happy childhood. She received Christian training under American missionaries and was left free to develop her fine gifts for song and melody. Music was a natural form of expression for her and she won fame as the composer of the lovely song, "Aloha Oe".
The growing importance of the mid-Pacific islands in world economy and world politics created serious problems for Hawaii. Foreign nations were competing for influence and when Liliuokalani became Queen in 1891, she inherited a nation whose situation was as explosive as Hawaii's own fiery volcanoes. She was no match for the politicians who favored annexation to the United States. She lost her throne and was imprisoned by her political enemies. Her release was followed by an increase of American influence and by annexation. Before the end of her long life, Liliuokalani outlived her bitterness, renewed her friendship with the American leaders, and even raised the flag of the United States over her home.
Here is a compelling story by an author who has lived in Hawaii, told with sympathetic understanding and a deep love for the Islands and their people.
—from the book
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