Liliuokalani, Lydia Kamekeha, << lee `lee` oo oh kah LAH nee, LIHD ee uh `kah` meh KEH hah >> (1838-1917), reigned as queen of Hawaii from 1891 to 1893. She became queen after the death of her brother King David Kalakaua. In 1893 Liliuokalani tried to restore some of the monarchy’s power through the political movement called Oni Pa’a (Stand Firm). But American settlers who controlled most of Hawaii’s wealth disapproved of the queen’s efforts and revolted against her. A republic was established in 1894. United States President Grover Cleveland tried in vain to restore Liliuokalani to her throne. Hawaii became a U.S. territory in 1898.
Liliuokalani made two trips to the United States after she lost her throne. She is perhaps best known today for her song, “Aloha Oe,” which became Hawaii’s traditional farewell song. She was born on Sept. 2, 1838, in Honolulu, Hawaii. She died on Nov. 11, 1917.
