Honoring Queen Lili’uokalani

Community Contributed 

By Alaonalani Puailihau

Editor’s note: This is the English translation of a Hawaiian language article that was printed in the Sept. 15 issue, written by a Hawaiian immersion student at Molokai High School. 

On Sept. 2, 1838 Lydia Liliʻu Loloku Walania Wewehi Kamakaʻeha was born in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. The daughter of Analea “Annie” Keohokalole and Caesar Kaluaiku Kamakaʻehukai Kahana Keola Kapaʻakea, and the hānai daughter of Abner Kuhoʻoheiheipahu Paki and Laura Kanaholo Konia. In the year of 1842, when she was 4 years old, she started attending the Royal Elementary School. While attending the Royal Elementary School she learned how to speak fluent English and received musical training. 

She was a person who loved music and poetry, and because she loved music and poetry, she composed 160 plus songs during her lifetime. During the year of 1884, the song “Aloha ʻOe” was published and became very famous. She was an intelligent, courageous, compassionate and peaceful woman. She fought for the rights of her culture, language, land, and Hawaiian people. Because she didnʻt want more bloodshed of her people, she gave up her crown to the United States American invaders.   

We celebrate the life of our queen Lydia Liliʻu Loloku Walania Wewehi Kamakaʻeha because of her care and love for her people. Celebrations with her many songs that are well used in ceremonies, weddings, and just backyard open kanikapila.  In these many tributes to her we celebrate through chant, dance, song, prayer, stories and offerings. We, her people, love and honor her for the person she was for us. Live long the Queen!