Princess Kaiulani

The royal family gathered at Iolani Palace to celebrate the introduction of electricity to Honolulu. This significant event marked a moment of progress for the monarchy, but it would soon be overshadowed by the chaos that followed.

A group of armed white men, led by Lorrin Thurston, invaded the palace demanding that King Kalakaua sign a new constitution. This demand aimed to severely limit the monarchy's powers and transfer control to European settlers, creating a tense standoff.

The standoff escalated rapidly as tensions rose between Thurston's group and the Royal Guards. In the midst of the chaos, Princess Kaiulani's father, Archie Cleghorn, acted quickly to ensure her safety by sending her to England.

In England, Kaiulani faced the harsh realities of racism and cultural stereotypes that targeted her as a Polynesian. Despite these challenges, she established meaningful relationships, notably with Clive Davies, which led to their engagement.

Kaiulani received devastating news from her father that King Kalakaua had died shortly after being forced to sign the new constitution. Additionally, Queen Liliuokalani was deposed, signaling the tragic end of the monarchy in Hawaii.

Thurston's actions led to a tumultuous overthrow of the Hawaiian government, with Sanford B. Dole proclaiming Hawaii a republic. This marked a critical turning point in Hawaiian history and solidified the loss of sovereignty for the native population.

Upon learning that the Davies family had prior knowledge of her family's downfall yet chose to stay silent, Kaiulani felt a deep sense of betrayal. This prompted her to break off her engagement with Clive and leave England.

After arriving in the United States, Kaiulani garnered considerable media attention as she vocally opposed the overthrow of her kingdom. Her regal demeanor challenged the racist perceptions she faced, presenting her as a symbol of resistance.

In a significant meeting, Kaiulani presented her case to President Grover Cleveland, successfully convincing him to denounce the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. This meeting marked a high point in her advocacy for her people's rights.

With the inauguration of President William McKinley, the situation for Kaiulani worsened as he endorsed the annexation of Hawaii. This further dissolved the Hawaiian Kingdom's sovereignty and deeply impacted Kaiulani's efforts.

Kaiulani returned to Hawaii to attend the private funeral of her aunt, Queen Liliuokalani. This visit symbolized both a personal loss and the tragic end of an era for the Hawaiian monarchy.

During a dinner with U.S. legal commissioners, Kaiulani showcased her intelligence and charm. She seized the opportunity to publicly petition for an amendment to the annexation treaty, advocating for voting rights for Native Hawaiians.

Clive returned to Hawaii after a long absence, and their reunion carried a mix of nostalgia and melancholy. Clive proposed that Kaiulani return to England and marry him, but she firmly refused, stating her commitment to her homeland.

In a poignant closing, Kaiulani returned her cherished seashells to the ocean, symbolizing her acceptance of the painful changes in her life. This act reflected her enduring connection to her home and the love of her people.

The film concludes with a voiceover suggesting that Kaiulani's spirit lives on through the love of her people. Additionally, it reveals that she passed away shortly after the annexation, with some believing the burden of loss crushed her spirit.