Most Americans Don't Realize Hawaii Had a Royal Family—Until They Visit This Palace
Our take
The rediscovery of Hawaiian royalty, as highlighted in Marie Claire’s recent piece on ʻIolani Palace, feels particularly poignant in an era saturated with fascination for European monarchies. We’ve long been conditioned to equate “royalty” with castles in England or opulent palaces in France and Spain – a lineage meticulously documented and endlessly dissected by media and popular culture. Kristen Stewart's Chanel Shorts Set Would Make the Chicest Swimsuit Cover-Up offers a glimpse into the modern interpretations of regal style, demonstrating how even seemingly casual pieces can evoke a sense of timeless elegance – a quality also inherent in the story of the Hawaiian Kingdom. The article's focus on a place often overlooked, a sovereign nation erased from the American narrative, compels a re-evaluation of what constitutes historical significance and whose stories deserve to be amplified. It’s a gentle but powerful reminder that narratives of power and heritage extend far beyond the familiar European contexts, and that a deeper understanding of global history requires a willingness to look beyond the well-trodden paths.
The erasure of Hawaiian history, culminating in the overthrow of the monarchy and subsequent annexation by the United States, is a complex and painful chapter. The palace itself, now a national historic landmark, stands as a silent testament to a vibrant culture and a sophisticated political system dismantled through manipulation and force. The fact that so many Americans remain unaware of this rich heritage speaks to a broader issue of historical amnesia and the selective narratives perpetuated within the American educational system. It’s a story of colonialism, cultural imperialism, and the silencing of indigenous voices – themes that resonate deeply with contemporary conversations around decolonization and the rightful return of narratives to their originators. Even the seemingly distant world of royal families, as explored in Prince George's Godfather Shares a Rare Insight Into His Relationship With "Charming" Future King , highlights the enduring power – and sometimes fragility – of inherited traditions and national identities. The Hawaiian story serves as a stark counterpoint, a reminder of how easily those identities can be stripped away.
What makes this revelation particularly resonant now is the growing cultural awareness surrounding indigenous rights and the reclamation of ancestral narratives. The article’s reach, amplified by Marie Claire’s platform, underscores a desire for a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of history. It’s not merely about adding another royal family to the list of historical figures; it’s about confronting a painful truth about America’s past and acknowledging the ongoing impact of colonialism on the Hawaiian people. The quiet dignity of ʻIolani Palace, the stories whispered within its walls, offer a powerful antidote to the often-performative displays of royalty seen elsewhere. It embodies a different kind of power – one rooted in heritage, resilience, and a deep connection to the land. Moreover, the continued emphasis on beauty and self-care, as exemplified by articles like The 10 Best Skincare Products on Sale for Amazon Prime Day 2026 Are a One-Way Ticket to Glass Skin , hints at a broader cultural shift towards prioritizing inner well-being and ancestral knowledge – principles that were central to Hawaiian culture long before Western influence.
Ultimately, the renewed attention to the Hawaiian monarchy encourages a deeper reflection on the narratives we choose to preserve and the perspectives we choose to amplify. It invites us to question the conventional understanding of “royalty” and to consider the myriad ways in which power and heritage manifest across different cultures. What will be the long-term impact of this increased awareness? Will it lead to a more meaningful reckoning with America’s colonial past and a greater commitment to supporting Hawaiian sovereignty and cultural revitalization? And perhaps most importantly, will it inspire a broader shift toward a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of global history, one that celebrates the richness and diversity of human experience beyond the familiar European narratives?
Most Americans grow up learning about European royal families, from the British monarchy to the kings and queens who shaped the history of countries like France and Spain. But what many don’t realize is that Hawaii was once its own sovereign kingdom before it become a U.S. state, and there’s still a royal palace right in O‘ahu.
During a recent visit to Honolulu’s ʻIolani Palace, I found myself standing in rooms that challenge the assumptions travelers make about Hawaii. Beyond the beaches, luaus and pineapple drinks lies the story of a nation that once had its own monarchs, government and global relationships. Walking through the palace’s grand halls—and later, the room where Queen Liliʻuokalani was imprisoned—gave me a powerful reminder that Hawaii’s royal history is far more recent and more complex than many Americans realize.
ʻIolani Palace historian Zita Cup Choy tells Marie Claire that understanding Hawaii was once an independent nation fundamentally changes the visitor experience. That being said, Iolani Palace, built in 1882, serves as “both a royal residence and a place where a nation’s history, dignity and loss are held,” Cup Choy says.
Queen Liliʻuokalani was the Hawaiian kingdom's last monarch, and she was imprisoned for nearly eight months in the palace after being illegally overthrown by a coup of American businessmen in 1893. “The overthrow was carried out by a small group with significant economic and political power, despite broad opposition among Hawaiian Kingdom subjects,” says Cup Choy.
The queen was forced to abdicate and lived the rest of her life as a private citizen until she died in 1917, dedicating her time to preserving Hawaiian culture and causes related to women and children such as the Lili‘uokalani Trust.
For many guests, myself included, the most emotional stop on the tour is the room where the queen was held. In the center of the Imprisonment Room sits a glass case displaying the quilt that Queen Liliʻuokalani worked on with her companions during her house arrest, and it reads more like a diary, with the piece stitched with significant dates and names of her supporters.
As a royal editor, one of the things that struck me the most was the similarity of ʻIolani Palace’s throne room to what you’d see at Buckingham Palace. The elaborate gowns on display reflect a Victorian style, and photos on display show the Hawaiian royals visiting the British royals.
Cup Choy says that “visitors are often surprised to learn that, despite Hawaii’s geographic isolation, the kingdom was modern, globally aware and intentional in how it presented itself to the world.” This includes innovations like electric lighting and telephones, showing how Hawaii was “an educated, literate and technologically advanced kingdom.”
Queen Liliʻuokalani remains one of the most revered figures in Hawaiian history, and Cup Choy says visitors are particularly moved by the monarch's response to adversity.
Instead of encouraging violence, the queen “believed the wrong done to Hawaii should be addressed through diplomacy, international law, constitutional law, the courts and the Hawaiian Kingdom’s own governing institutions,” Cup Choy says. “She sought restoration without further bloodshed.”
Walking through the palace, it's hard not to feel moved by the story of Hawaii's royal family, and Cup Choy says there's a careful balance between being a tourist attraction and “a sacred place in Hawaii's history.”
As I learned during my recent trip, O‘ahu is full of rich cultural offerings, and Cup Choy says ʻIolani Palace works with travel partners to encourage visitors to the island to explore outside its beaches. Select properties like the Halekulani Hotel, one of the Leading Hotels of the World properties where I stayed on the island, offer free admission to the palace as part of a broader mission to introduce travelers to Hawaii's story.
“Hawaii is often seen first for its natural beauty,” Cup Choy says. “The palace invites visitors to see the depth of its history and the responsibility to care for its people, culture and environment.”
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