29 January - Queen Liliuokalani, the last monarch and only woman to reign in the Kingdom of Hawaii.

 

Queen Liliuokalani, whose full name was Lydia Liliuokalani, was the last reigning monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii. She was born on 02 September 1838, in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, and she ascended to the throne on 29 January 1891, following the death of her brother, King Kalakaua.

Key points about Queen Liliuokalani:

1. Reign: Queen Liliuokalani's reign was marked by significant political challenges and changes. During her rule, efforts were made to draft a new constitution that would restore some powers to the monarchy, but these efforts were met with resistance from foreign and local interests.

2. Overthrow: In 1893, a group of American and European residents, with the support of the United States Minister to Hawaii, orchestrated the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, leading to the establishment of a provisional government. Queen Liliuokalani was forced to abdicate on 17 January 1893.

3. Imprisonment and Abdication: Following the overthrow, Queen Liliuokalani was briefly imprisoned in Iolani Palace. In 1895, she was put on trial for alleged involvement in a counter-revolutionary attempt known as the Wilcox Rebellion. She was convicted and sentenced to imprisonment, but her sentence was later commuted to house arrest.

4. Later Life: After her release, Liliuokalani lived in relative seclusion. She continued to advocate for the restoration of the Hawaiian monarchy and the rights of Native Hawaiians.

5. Death: Queen Liliuokalani passed away on 11 November 1917, at the age of 79, at her residence, Washington Place, in Honolulu.

6. Legacy: Liliuokalani is remembered for her musical talents and her contributions to Hawaiian culture. She composed several well-known Hawaiian songs, including "Aloha Oe." Her legacy includes efforts to preserve Hawaiian traditions and a continued recognition as a symbol of resistance against the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

In 1993, the United States Congress passed a joint resolution, known as the Apology Resolution, formally apologizing for the role of the United States in the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii during Queen Liliuokalani's reign.