Book Review: Hawaii’s Story by Hawaii’s Queen ~ Lili’uokalani

Weaving together a mix of historical account, personal reflection and biographical storytelling, Hawaii’s Story by Hawaii’s Queen is a solid attempt at conveying the times of the nation of Hawaii leading up to its annexation by the United States of America, yet one which struggles in several regards. Whilst the perspective of the nation’s former ruler is a brilliant starting point to share this tale, the text often reads as unclear of its overarching aim and flip-flops frustratingly between the story of Hawaii and the story of Lili’uokalani herself.

A powerful account of her time as regent, ruler and monarch, the personal biographical sections of the book give an intimate look into Lili’uokalani’s progression at the top of Hawaiian society. Reading as an honest, free-flowing train-of-thought, she gives a sense of intimacy into her mind and feelings, recounting some of the most exploratory, difficult and consequential moments of her reign, abdication and everything in between. A diary-like approach mixed with subtle details building vivid and striking imagery, these chapters feel akin to a quiet conversation amongst friends as opposed to a recount of Hawaii itself.

The other portions of this story concern the wider nation of Hawaii itself, and the process by which the United States of America colonised and annexed the islands, a feature that I was most interested to explore in this book. Whilst it does a brilliant job at representing the events leading up to the eventual annexation, this moment is never actually reached within the pages. Instead, its recount ends shortly prior to formal annexation occurring, leading to a disappointing and anti-climactic ending to an otherwise high-quality and fascinating story. Why the author chose to end the account at this point isn’t entirely clear, but is frustrating regardless, especially given some of the time dedicated to unnecessary exposition.

Whilst it remains an enjoyable read, you can’t help but feel as though this book is the product of two separate concepts combined into one. Chapters recounting Hawaii’s story are mixed with chapters recounting Lili’uokalani’s story, a conflation that occurs throughout the content as well, giving the sense that Lili’uokalani imagined herself as Hawaii itself, rather than its temporary custodian. Despite being interesting at several points, I would often take breaks when the story turned to recounting one of her holidays or trips abroad, rather than the wider story of the nation under threat that the title purports to be about. The title should either be altered, or consideration taken of splitting this title into two, one a biographical story of Lili’uokalani, former Queen of Hawaii, and another regarding the history, society and political upheaval of Hawaii as a nation; conflating the two weakens both.

I did enjoy this title, don’t get me wrong, but I can’t help but feel as though I could have enjoyed it far more. The historical context, perspective of Hawaii’s former queen and depth of detail is commendable and thoroughly enjoyable to someone so fascinated by Polynesian and Hawaiian culture, but the book definitely feels as though something is missing, and that there is room for further development. A great starting point for discovery, you may need a second book to get the full satisfaction and understanding you were hoping to.

Rating: 3 Stars

Written by, Sophie Layton (she/her)