Princess Kaiulani Biography: Hawaii’s Brave Princess Against All Odds
Key Takeaway
Princess Kaiulani was a symbol of hope and resilience for the Hawaiian people during a period of immense political unrest. Her life, though tragically short, was marked by her dedication to her nation’s sovereignty and her efforts to advocate for her people’s rights on an international stage.
Summary
- Full Name: Victoria Kawēkiu Kaʻiulani Lunalilo Kalaninuiahilapalapa Cleghorn
- Birth: October 16, 1875, in Honolulu, Kingdom of Hawaii
- Parents: Archibald Scott Cleghorn and Princess Miriam Likelike
- Education: Educated in England, showing academic and artistic talent
- Political Turmoil: Witnessed the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and annexation by the United States
- Advocacy: Traveled to the United States to fight for Hawaiian sovereignty
- Death: Died at the age of 23 on March 6, 1899, due to inflammatory rheumatism
- Legacy: Remembered as a cultural and political icon of Hawaii
Early Life and Background
Birth and Family
Princess Victoria Kawēkiu Kaʻiulani Lunalilo Kalaninuiahilapalapa Cleghorn was born on October 16, 1875, in Honolulu, Kingdom of Hawaii. She was the daughter of Archibald Scott Cleghorn, a Scottish businessman, and Princess Miriam Likelike, sister to King Kalākaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani. This mixed heritage placed Kaiulani in a unique position within the Hawaiian royal family and the broader political environment of the islands.
Childhood and Education
From a young age, Kaiulani displayed a keen intellect and an ability for the arts. Recognizing her potential, her family ensured she received an excellent education. At the age of 13, she was sent to England to study at Great Harrowden Hall in Northamptonshire. Here, she developed a love for literature, music, and painting, while also excelling in her academic pursuits.
Political Unrest
The Overthrow of the Monarchy
Kaiulani’s life was deeply affected by the political instability in Hawaii. In 1893, the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown by a group of American and European businessmen, supported by the United States government. This event marked a significant turning point in Kaiulani’s life and the history of Hawaii.
Princess Kaiulani’s Advocacy
Despite her youth, Kaiulani understood the gravity of the situation and took an active role in advocating for her people. In 1893, she traveled to the United States to plead the case for Hawaiian sovereignty. Her speeches and public appearances got a lot of attention. They showcased the problems faced by the Hawaiian people.
Later Life and Challenges
Return to Hawaii
After her advocacy efforts in the United States, Kaiulani returned to Hawaii in 1897. Despite her best efforts, the annexation of Hawaii by the United States proceeded in 1898, a blow from which she never fully recovered. Her health, already fragile due to the stresses of her political work and personal grief, began to deteriorate.
Death and Legacy
On March 6, 1899, Princess Kaiulani passed away at the age of 23 due to inflammatory rheumatism. Her death was a profound loss for Hawaii, but her legacy endures as a symbol of resistance and the enduring spirit of the Hawaiian people.
Tables
Table 1: Key Events in Princess Kaiulani’s Life
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1875 | Born in Honolulu, Kingdom of Hawaii |
| 1889 | Sent to England for education |
| 1893 | Hawaiian monarchy overthrown |
| 1893 | Advocated for Hawaiian sovereignty in the US |
| 1897 | Returned to Hawaii |
| 1898 | Hawaii annexed by the United States |
| 1899 | Died in Honolulu, Kingdom of Hawaii |
Table 2: Princess Kaiulani’s Advocacy Tour
| Date | Location | Event Description |
|---|---|---|
| March 1893 | Washington, D.C. | Met with President Grover Cleveland |
| April 1893 | New York City | Delivered speeches to gain public support |
| May 1893 | Boston | Addressed local organizations and societies |
| June 1893 | San Francisco | Held rallies and public meetings |
Conclusion
Princess Kaiulani’s life, though brief, was a testament to her strength, intelligence, and dedication to her people. Her efforts to advocate for Hawaiian sovereignty in the face of overwhelming odds remain a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural identity and political self-determination. Kaiulani’s legacy continues to inspire, reflecting the resilience and enduring spirit of Hawaii.
References
- Silva, Noenoe K. Aloha Betrayed: Native Hawaiian Resistance to American Colonialism. Duke University Press, 2004.
- Schmitt, Robert C. Historical Statistics of Hawaii. University of Hawaii Press, 1977.
- Allen, Helena G. The Betrayal of Liliuokalani: Last Queen of Hawaii, 1838-1917. Mutual Publishing, 1982.
- Liliuokalani, Queen. Hawaii’s Story by Hawaii’s Queen. Tuttle Publishing, 1990.
