#kaiulani

January 5, 1889 Ainahau, Waikiki, Oahu It is a new year, and yet I am terribly sad. What I have been dreading for so long will soon happen. In just a few months hence, I must leave my beloved Hawaii and go to England to complete my schooling. I knew that this day would come, but I am only thirteen. I thought surely I would have more time here, in the land of my birth. It is for the good of my people that I leave, but I am still very afraid

Growing up, born in the early 90’s, my absolute favorite book were The Royal Diaries series from Scholastic. These books were a spinoff from the Dear America books (which I also read). They followed the middle age/teenage years of historically important royal women. To be honest, my obsession with monarchies and my interest in history (and my history degree) can be firmly traced from this series.…

Book: The Royal Diaries Series

Role: She was the last Crown Princess of Hawaii. This fictional diary details four years of her life, leading up to the annexation of Hawaii into the United States.

Wonderful Women of History: VICTORIA KA’IULANI, October 16, 1875 – March 6, 1899, heir to the throne before the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy; activist and international advocate for for Hawaii’s freedom.

It has been a strange life, really, and a very romantic one.

- Princess Ka’iulani 

One day, Ka’iulani tells herself, her prayers will come to fruition. She will transform from a peacock princess to a peacock queen, take Aunt’s burden for her own, know her beloved islands are spared the usurpation of the Americans.

(Once all that and more had been possible. Now Hawaii's freedom is dying, and so is she.)

One day it will be so. For now she stands amidst the waves and waits.