Ke Aloha o ka Haku

Born Lydia Liliʻu Loloku Walania Kamakaʻeha, “Liliʻu” began her formal musical training when she entered the missionary-sponsored Chief’s Children’s School at age 4. A serious and talented student, she was able to sight-read music at a very early age and was often asked by her teacher to introduce a new song to the class.

By age 15, the young princess was already an accomplished musician and composer.  As an adult, she was a frequent patron of musical and dramatic events and took a keen interest in publishing her music so that it could be available to all.  In 1866, she became director of the Kawaiahaʻo Church choir in Honolulu, and took the position of organist a few years later, alternating with Professor Henry Berger, master of the Royal Hawaiian Band.

By the 1890s, Liliʻuokalani’s music (published in sheet music form) was popular on the United States mainland, and by the 1910s Hawaiian music was in fashion even in Europe.

Liliʻu was given the name “Liliʻuokalani”, or “Liliʻu of the heavens” by her brother, King David Kalākaua, upon naming her heiress apparent to the throne in 1877.  During her two brief years as Hawaiʻi’s last ruling monarch (1891-1893), Queen Liliʻuokalani filled her world with musical activity. She held many concerts at ʻIolani Palace, featuring foreign artists as well as local musicians. She remained active as a singer and director of several music groups, and continued to compose new songs.