As the royal family gathered at Iolani Palace for a significant ceremony marking the introduction of electricity to Honolulu, Princess Kaiulani found her world drastically altered by the unexpected appearance of a group of armed white men. Led by Lorrin Thurston, these intruders demanded that King Kalakaua sign a new constitution that would curtail the monarchy's powers, handing extensive political control to European settlers. The tense standoff between Thurston's group and the Royal Guards quickly escalated into chaos, prompting Kaiulani's father, Archie Cleghorn, to take swift action for her safety, sending her off to England for both refuge and education.
In England, Kaiulani faced the harsh reality of being a Polynesian in a foreign land, which often made her the target of racism and derogatory stereotypes. Despite such adversities, she managed to forge strong connections, particularly with the charming Clive Davies, to whom she eventually became engaged. However, a bombshell awaited when her father returned from Hawaii with devastating news: King Kalakaua had died shortly after being coerced into signing the controversial constitution, and Queen Liliuokalani had been deposed, marking a tragic end to the monarchy. Thurston's actions against the native population led to a tumultuous overthrow of the government, and Sanford B. Dole proclaimed Hawai'i a republic.
The realization that the Davies family had knowledge of her family's downfall yet chose to remain silent deepened her sense of betrayal, prompting her to end her engagement and depart England. She traveled to the United States, where she attracted considerable media attention, vocally opposing the overthrow and the U.S.'s role in it. Despite the pervasive racist attitudes she encountered, her cultured and regal demeanor captivated many, successfully challenging the "Barbarian Princess" image often ascribed to her. Kaiulani's advocacy peaked when she met with President Grover Cleveland, where her charm and determination swayed him to actively denounce the takeover. Although her efforts took place during the twilight of Cleveland's presidency, they laid the groundwork for a later shift in U.S. policy regarding Hawai'i.
As the Cleveland administration came to a close, Kaiulani faced a daunting new reality with the inauguration of President William McKinley, who had not only failed to oppose the overthrow but also endorsed Thurston's annexation proposal, effectively dissolving the Kingdom of Hawai'i into the United States. Upon her return to Hawaiian soil, she attended a private funeral for her aunt, Queen Liliuokalani, symbolizing the end of an era. Shortly after her arrival, Sanford B. Dole visited her, suggesting she entertain three U.S. legal commissioners. Reluctantly, she agreed, using the opportunity to showcase her intelligence and charm.
At the dinner, Kaiulani won over her guests, then made a bold move by publicly petitioning for an amendment to the annexation treaty that would guarantee universal suffrage and voting rights for all Native Hawaiians. Although Thurston dismissively rebuked her proposal, her determination was amplified with Dole pledging to advocate for her cause.
The evening took an unexpected turn when Clive, her former love, finally arrived in Hawai'i. Their reunion was sweet, filled with nostalgia, but soon turned melancholic as Clive revealed his inheritance of family assets, including properties in Hawai'i. He proposed that Kaiulani return to England and marry him, but she firmly refused, asserting that her place was in the islands. Their farewell was thus bittersweet.
As the film concluded, Kaiulani symbolically returned her cherished seashells to the ocean, reflecting her acceptance of the painful new reality. A haunting voiceover suggests that the burning spirit of Kaiulani lives on through the love of her people. In a poignant post-credits moment, it is revealed that Kaiulani passed away shortly after the annexation, with some believing the weight of her lost kingdom crushed her spirit. Another card informs viewers that in 1993, President Clinton signed the Apology Resolution, recognizing the U.S.'s role in the overthrow and expressing regret for the actions taken against Hawai'i.
