Aloha ‘Oe: The Song of the Last Sovereign of Hawai’i

Maeve Kiley 

 A Queen’s Farewell 

“Farewell to you, farewell to you 

The charming one who dwells in the shaded bowers 

One fond embrace, 

“Ere I depart 

Until We Met Again.” 

These are the translated lyrics of part of Queen Lili’uokalani’s famous 1878 composition, “Aloha ‘Oe.” This song was originally a Mele Hoʻoipoipo (farewell love song) that the Queen once witnessed between two lovers at Maunawili Ranch, but after the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, it became a cultural symbol of loss, connection, and revolution. 

The word "Aloha" in Hawaiian culture carries far more meaning than a simple greeting or farewell; it is a philosophy. At its core, this philosophy embodies love, kindness, unity, and a deep cultural connection that fosters empathy, humility, and respect for all of creation. Aloha is spoken in daily life, woven into traditional practices such as hula and mele, and reflected in the names of cultural landmarks, reminding us of its enduring spirit.

A majestic view of Iolani Palace, framed by tall palm trees, under a cloudy sky. Photo courtesy of The Luecke Family.

 It is a huge part of Hawaiian culture, with the official nickname of Hawai’i being “the Aloha State.” The “Aloha Spirit” is a deep sense of love, respect, and unity in Hawaiian culture. It is a significant cultural and legal aspect of Hawai’i, with the 1986 Aloha Spirit Law requiring that public officials promote, embody, and enforce these principles in their service.  

Queen Lili’uokalani loved her people and culture and creatively expressed that devotion through art and music. Aloha ‘Oe was one of over 150 songs and chants that the last monarch of Hawai’i, including the national anthem “He Mele Lāhui Hawai’i.” Her music is a window into an independent Hawai’i with the many flowing chants and gorgeous compositions being based on and referencing traditional Hawaiian folk songs and legends. However, Aloha ‘Oe is one of the most famous, with the song being covered by iconic celebrities such as Elvis Presley, Bing Crosby, Ruthie Ann Miles, and many others. The song featured in Disney’s 2002 movie Lilo and Stitch, where it is sung by Tia Carrere. 

Unfortunately, many mainlanders do not know the story of Aloha ‘Oe, Queen Lili’uokalani, and how Hawai’i became an American state. The story is one of heartbreak, betrayal, strength, unity, and the unconquerable pride of the Hawaiian people. Aloha ‘Oe is not just a song; it is a symbol.  

The Last Monarch of Hawai’i 

Queen Lili’uokalani was born as Lydia Lili’u Loluku Walania Wewehi Kamaka’eha on September 2, 1838, to Analea Keohokālole and Caesar Kapaʻakea. She was adopted into a noble family under the traditional Hawaiian practice of hānai. Her foster parents, Kania and Paki, raised her alongside their daughter, Beatrice. At the age of 4, she was formally proclaimed by King Kamehameha III as eligible to ascend the throne of the Hawaiian Kingdom, along with three of her six siblings, who were also declared eligible.

She was an incredibly educated individual, being fluent in both ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and English at an early age. She had a love of learning and a love of service, with much of her life being focused on charitable endeavors for her people. During her early life, she attended the Royal School (as is customary for all children of the high-ranking chiefs) before its sudden closure in 1848 during the measles outbreak. She then attended a Protestant Missionary School.  

During her school days, she met John Owen Dominis, whom she fell in love with. He was the son of a sea captain who had moved to Hawai’i after being awarded land by King Kamehameha III in 1842, after a settlement lawsuit. They were engaged for two years before getting married on September 16, 1862.  

She was always a lover of art, culture, and music. Aloha ‘Oe was composed in 1878 and published in 1884, and was an immediate hit. It was performed by the Royal Hawaiian Band in San Francisco, and versions of the song were available worldwide. It was even heard being sung in German and French ports.  

After the death of her brother, King David Kalākaua, Queen Lili’uokalani ascended the throne on January 20, 1891, after an election. Her power was limited due to her brother being forced by a coup to sign a new constitution that reduced his power. Despite that, Queen Lili’uokalani was a compassionate monarch who was completely dedicated to her people. She focused heavily on philanthropic initiatives and programs focused on education, reform, and justice for her people.  

Keli'iponi Hale, also known as The Coronation Pavilion, stands majestically with its ornate design and historic emblems, set amidst lush greenery and urban surroundings. Photo courtesy of The Luecke Family.

 She tirelessly defended the sovereignty of Hawai’i, with American, English, and French eyes all being focused on the kingdom. She fought against the U.S. annexation of Hawai’i through diplomacy. She traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate against annexation and organize petitions. However, Congress ignored the pleas of the Queen and her people and continued with their plans of annexation.  

The Queen was determined to restore power to her monarchy and power to the Kānaka Maoli (Hawai’i’s native peoples).  However, foreign influence and imperialistic interests had infiltrated Hawai’i’s government in the form of the Committee of Safety.  

The Committee of Safety  

On January 16, 1893, the Committee of Safety (a group of American businessmen, entrepreneurs, sugar planters, and lawyers) launched their long-formed plan to overthrow the Queen and hand Hawai’i over to the American government.

Their chairman, Henry E. Cooper, struck deals with mainland officials and thwarted the Queen’s efforts to restore the monarchy's power and weaken foreign influence. Meanwhile, Sanford B. Dole served as the leader of the revolution and recruited businessmen to aid his interests. The Committee conspired with the leader of the U.S. forces in Hawai’i, John L. Stevens, to “coerce” American troops to land in the Kingdom.  

Marines from the USS Boston and two companies of US sailors took up positions at the US Legation, the Consulate, and Arion Hall. Fearing violence and bloodshed, Queen Lili’uokalani surrendered and was deposed. She protested and requested that U.S. President Grover Cleveland immediately investigate the illegal activities surrounding this coup and the role that the United States had to play in it.  

A provisional government led by Dole was established in Hawai’i. Martial law was declared, and an American flag was flown over the palace.  

Grover Cleveland, now in his second term, withdrew the treaty for Hawai’i’s annexation from the Senate. He believed that the monarchy was an illegal act and ordered a special investigation into the conspiracy. He removed Stevens as the Minister to Hawai’i, and Gilbert C. Wiltse was removed as captain of the USS Boston. Cleveland sought to restore Queen Lili’oukalani to power, but the provisional government refused. Congress was sent in to investigate the conspiracy, but they found all parties “not guilty.” Control was maintained.  

The Queen’s Imprisonment  

In January 1895, Robert W. Wilcox and Samuel Nowlein started a rebellion to return the Queen and reestablish the monarchy. Kānaka Maoli mobilized to fight against the provisional government, but the rebellion failed. Queen Lili’oukalani was put on trial and arrested for high treason in the Throne Room at ‘Iolani Palace. 

Originally sentenced to 5 years of hard labor, the sentence was commuted, and the Queen was instead placed under house arrest in Iolani Palace. She was forced to officially abdicate the Throne in exchange for the rebels' pardon.  

She spent nearly eight months in complete solitude, with only one lady-in-waiting allowed to visit her. She passed the days by writing songs such as “Ke Aloha o Ka Haku” (“The Grace of the Lord”), "Kuʻu Pua i Paoakalani” (“My Flower in Paoakalani”), “Kilioulani”, and many others. She translated the traditional Hawaiian creation chant, Kumulipo, into English to help preserve her native culture. As a lifelong Christian, she frequently read and wrote spiritual texts. She had to get special permission to work on a crazy quilt that would become known as the “Queen’s Quilt,” which featured text, image, and symbols revolving around the history of Hawai’i and her hopes for the future.  

The historic Iolani Palace barracks, showcasing its distinctive architectural style surrounded by lush greenery in Honolulu. Photo courtesy of The Luecke Family.

On October 13, 1896, the Republic of Hawai’i fully pardoned her. She was released and went abroad to Brookline, Massachusetts, with her late husband’s cousins. Before leaving, she smuggled out her letters, songs, and writings, which were later published. A long-time friend, Julius A. Palmer Jr., served as her secretary/stenographer for her memoir Hawaii’s Story by Hawaii’s Queen, which was published in 1898.  

After hearing that the Republic of Hawaii was still seeking annexation, Queen Liliʻuokalani began to divide her time between Hawai’i and Washington, D.C. to fight against it. In 1897, she gathered 21,000 signatures in a petition against annexation, which aided in derailing the treaty. Unfortunately, it did not stop Congress and the Republic of Hawai’i from completing the annexation in 1898.  

However, Queen Liliʻuokalani never abandoned her people. She founded the Liliʻuokalani Trust in 1909, which still provides care to orphaned and destitute Hawaiian children today. She brought an unsuccessful lawsuit against the United States under the Fifth Amendment to return Hawai’i to its people, but the courts denied the claims. She proudly defended the Hawaiian language and culture, advocating heavily for the preservation of the arts for future generations.  

On the morning of November 11, 1917, Queen Liliʻuokalani passed away at the age of 79. The bells of Saint Andrew’s Cathedral and Kawaiahaʻo tolled 79 times to signify and honor her death. In accordance with tradition, her body was not removed from her home until midnight, and she received a state funeral in the Iolani Palace on November 18^th. She now rests in Mauna ‘Ala, the Royal Mausoleum in Honolulu, Hawai’i.  

Farewell to Thee 

“Aloha” is not just a greeting, nor is it a farewell. It is philosophy. Although Queen Liliʻuokalani has been gone for 107 years, her legacy and the spirit of Hawai’i live on. Her works, strength, and resilience have inspired generations, and the continued fight for Kānaka Maoli and all native peoples' lives on because of her.  

Aloha ‘Oe is not a goodbye, but a beginning. The fight for native rights and sovereignty did not end with Queen Liliʻuokalani; it has only grown. Through music, people connect with their roots. Through learning from the past, we can build a better future.  

Link To View Aloha ‘Oe Lyrics: https://www.huapala.org/Aloha/Aloha_Oe.html 

References: 

Alexander, K. L. (n.d.). Biography: Queen lili’uokalani. https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/queen-liliuokalani  

Aloha ’Oe Lyrics. Aloha Oe. (n.d.). https://www.huapala.org/Aloha/Aloha_Oe.html  

BYUH Ke Alaka’i. (2021, April 1). The origin of aloha ’oe lies with the last queen of Hawaii. BYUH Ke Alaka’i. https://kealakai.byuh.edu/the-origin-of-aloha-oe-lies-with-the-last-queen-of-hawaii  

Five things to know about liliʻuokalani, the last queen of Hawaiʻi. (n.d.-a). https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/five-things-know-about-liliuokalani-last-queen-hawaii-180967155/  

Liliʻuokalani Trust. (n.d.). https://onipaa.org/queen-liliuokalani  

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica          Encyclopaedia Britannica’s editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... (2025, September 13). Grover Cleveland. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Grover-Cleveland  

U.S. Department of the Interior. (n.d.). Queen Lili’uokalani (U.S. National Park Service). National Parks Service. https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/queen-lili-uokalani.htm