Liliʻuokalani (Queen of Hawaii)

Liliʻuokalani was the last reigning monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom, serving as Queen from 1891 to 1893. A skilled composer and passionate advocate for her people’s sovereignty, she sought to restore power to Hawaiians amid increasing influence from American and European interests. Her reign ended when a group of American businessmen and residents, supported by the U.S. military, overthrew the monarchy. She spent her subsequent years resisting annexation and advocating for Hawaiian rights, becoming a symbol of national pride and cultural preservation. Her leadership and dedication remain central to Hawaii’s history and identity.