Princess Victoria Kaʻiulani — Crown Princess of Hawaii, last heir apparent to the Hawaiian throne

Princess Victoria Kawēkiu Kaʻiulani Lunalilo Kalaninuiahilapalapa Cleghorn, often known simply as Kaʻiulani, was a prominent figure in Hawaiian history, serving as the last heir apparent to the throne of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Born on October 16, 1875, in Honolulu, Oʻahu, Hawaiian Kingdom, she was the only child of Princess Miriam Likelike and Scottish businessman Archibald Scott Cleghorn [76, 77, 87, 88, 105]. Her full Hawaiian name, Victoria Kawēkiu Kaʻiulani Lunalilo Kalaninuiahilapalapa, carried significant meaning. "Kaʻiulani" itself means "the royal sacred one" (from *ka ʻiu lani*), while "Kawēkiu" signifies "the highest rank or station" [100]. The name "Lunalilo" was added to strengthen her eligibility for the throne, connecting her to King Lunalilo, and "Kalaninuiahilapalapa" linked her to the royal house of Keawe and the symbolic flames of the torch that burns at midday, a symbol of *kapu* used by the House of Kalākaua [100]. She was named after her maternal aunt Anna Kaʻiulani and Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom [100].

Kaʻiulani's lineage was deeply rooted in Hawaiian royalty. Through her mother, Princess Miriam Likelike, she was a descendant of Keaweaheulu and Kameʻeiamoku, royal counselors to Kamehameha I. Her mother was also the younger sister of King Kalākaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani, making Kaʻiulani their niece [84, 85, 92, 107]. Her father, Archibald Scott Cleghorn, was a Scottish financier who served as Collector General of Customs and later as the final Governor of Oahu [107]. At birth, Kaʻiulani was fourth in line to the throne, moving to third upon the death of her uncle Leleiohoku II in 1877 [105]. Her christening on December 25, 1875, was a grand affair, attended by diplomatic representatives and godparents including King Kalākaua, Queen Kapiʻolani, and Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani [109].

Her early life was marked by both privilege and tragedy. She grew up at ʻĀinahau, a beautiful estate in Waikiki gifted by Princess Ruth and expanded by her father, who cultivated extensive botanical gardens, including the famous Kaʻiulani's banyan tree [111]. She received a comprehensive education from governesses and private tutors, becoming fluent in Hawaiian, English, French, and German [115]. However, her mother, Princess Likelike, died in 1887 when Kaʻiulani was just eleven years old, leaving her to inherit the ʻĀinahau estate [111].

In 1889, at the age of 13, Kaʻiulani was sent to Europe to complete her education under the guardianship of British businessman Theo H. Davies [92, 117, 124]. This period abroad coincided with significant political turmoil in Hawaii. The Bayonet Constitution of 1887 had already severely limited the monarchy's power, increasing the influence of Euro-American business interests [119]. In 1891, her uncle King Kalākaua died, and her aunt Liliʻuokalani ascended to the throne. This made Kaʻiulani the direct heir apparent [124, 125].

The most pivotal event in her life, and in Hawaiian history, was the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom on January 17, 1893. While Kaʻiulani was still in England, a group of pro-American and European businessmen, known as the Committee of Safety, overthrew Queen Liliʻuokalani [92, 127]. Despite proposals to seat Kaʻiulani on the throne, conditional on Liliʻuokalani's abdication, these were rejected by the Committee of Safety [92]. Liliʻuokalani, believing it offered the best chance for justice, temporarily relinquished her power to the United States [92].

Kaʻiulani, deeply committed to her people and her country, embarked on a diplomatic mission to the United States and Europe to advocate for the restoration of the Hawaiian monarchy. She made impassioned speeches and public appearances, denouncing the overthrow and the injustice inflicted upon her people [94]. She met with President Grover Cleveland and First Lady Frances Cleveland in Washington, D.C., who were sympathetic to her cause [94]. President Cleveland even attempted to restore the Queen, but his efforts were ultimately thwarted by political opposition in the U.S. Congress [130, 131].

Her efforts, though valiant, were ultimately in vain. The annexation of Hawaii by the United States in 1898 marked the end of the Hawaiian Kingdom [96]. Upon her return to Hawaii in 1897, Kaʻiulani settled into life as a private citizen, though she and Liliʻuokalani boycotted the annexation ceremony, mourning the loss of Hawaiian independence [96]. She continued to engage in social activities and hosted the American congressional delegation responsible for formalizing the Hawaiian Organic Act [96].

Kaʻiulani's personal life was also subject to public scrutiny and speculation. She was known for her beauty and grace, earning her the moniker "The Island Rose." She had a close friendship with author Robert Louis Stevenson, who was a frequent visitor to ʻĀinahau [138, 139]. There were various rumors and discussions about potential engagements, including to Prince David Kawānanakoa, but none materialized [140, 141].

Tragically, Princess Kaʻiulani suffered from chronic health problems throughout the 1890s. She died on March 6, 1899, at her home in ʻĀinahau, at the young age of 23 [78, 79, 96, 194]. The official cause of death was inflammatory rheumatism, though some accounts suggest a broken heart from the loss of her kingdom [194, 195]. Her death was widely mourned in Hawaii and abroad, and she was buried at the Royal Mausoleum of Hawaii in Honolulu [80, 81, 196].

Kaʻiulani's cultural contributions were significant, even in her short life. She embodied the blend of Hawaiian and Western cultures, being fluent in multiple languages and educated in both traditions. She upheld Hawaiian traditions and was a symbol of Hawaiian identity during a period of immense change. Her efforts to restore the monarchy, though unsuccessful, highlighted the strength and resilience of the Hawaiian people and their desire for self-determination. She was also known to be an avid surfer, a traditional Hawaiian sport [136].

Her legacy endures as a symbol of Hawaiian sovereignty and a tragic figure who fought tirelessly for her people. She is remembered for her intelligence, grace, and unwavering dedication to the Hawaiian Kingdom. Numerous places and institutions are named in her honor, including Kaʻiulani Elementary School in Honolulu [35, 203]. The Kaʻiulani Project is dedicated to preserving her memory and educating the public about her life and the history of Hawaii [33, 202]. Her banyan tree at ʻĀinahau also stands as a living monument to her [34, 204]. Her story continues to inspire and resonate with those who advocate for indigenous rights and cultural preservation. She remains a powerful symbol of Hawaiian resistance and the enduring spirit of the islands.

## References

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