Set in 1895, when Queen Lili‘uokalani was imprisoned for almost a year in ʻIolani Palace for her alleged knowledge of an attempt to take back the Kingdom of Hawai‘i, Lili‘u tells the story of the Queen’s life at a time of great upheaval.

Great-great- grand nephew of Antone Kaoʻo, Hula master from Waialua) - This chant was originally composed for Queen Kapiʻolani (Ē Kapiʻolani ē) and modified for dedication to Queen Liliʻuokalani. Also known as the Queen's Hula, Kaoʻo wanted to express his loyalty and aloha for Queen Liliʻuokalani.

Set in 1895, when Queen Liliʻuokalani was imprisoned for almost a year in Iolani Palace for her alleged knowledge of an attempt to take back the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi, Liliʻu tells the story of the Queen's life at a time of great upheaval.

The Liliʻu Project follows the journey of celebrated Hawai‘i musician, Starr Kalāhiki, in researching, updating, rehearsing, and performing Queen Liliʻuokalani’s mele. This film hopes to provide viewers with a uniquely intimate and timely perspective into the Queen's life in music.

Lili‘u was named heir to the throne on April 11, 1877 by her elder brother King Kalākaua following the death of their brother Leleiōhoku. He asked that she add to her name the reference, “of the heavens/of the chiefs,” Liliʻuokalani, so that her status as crown princess was recognized.

Lili‘uokalani’s was a faithful scholar and an extraordinary musician and composer. She was well-versed in hymns and ballads of American and European influence, as well as traditional Hawaiian chant and prose.

Queen Lili‘uokalani, born as Lydia Lili‘u Loloku Walania Wewehi Kamaka‘eha, was the last reigning monarch of the kingdom of Hawai‘i. She ascended the throne in January of 1891, upon the death of her brother, King David Kalākaua.

In telling her story, we focus on the Liliʻu Project musical ensemble performing contemporary interpretations of songs written by and for Liliʻuokalani. We blend these performances with interviews from some of the most respected voices in Hawaiian music as …

Set in 1895, when Queen Lili‘uokalani was imprisoned for almost a year in Iolani Palace for her alleged knowledge of an attempt to take back the Kingdom of Hawai‘i, Lili‘u tells the story of the Queen’s life at a time of great upheaval.

As a young student, “Liliʻu” (as she was known) was immersed in Christian education, taught by her missionary teachers. While these colonial instructors discouraged Hawaiian beliefs, her family simultaneously nurtured her Hawaiian identity.