Skip to content

Learn How to Pronounce Liliʻuokalani | YouPronounce.it

How to Pronounce Liliʻuokalani

Quick Answer: In Hawaiian, the name Liliʻuokalani is pronounced [liˌli.u.o.kəˈlɐni].
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)

Meaning and Context

Liliʻuokalani, born Lydia Liliʻu Loloku Walania Kamakaʻeha in 1838, was the last reigning monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii, ascending to the throne in 1891 following the death of her brother, King Kalākaua. Her brief but pivotal reign was defined by her determined efforts to restore power to the Hawaiian monarchy and native Hawaiians through a new constitution, directly challenging the political and economic control of a group of American and European businessmen and sugar planters. This resistance culminated in the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893, a coup d'état orchestrated with the support of U.S. Marines. Following the overthrow, her steadfast refusal to legitimize the act led to her imprisonment in ʻIolani Palace, where she composed poignant music, including the famous anthem "Aloha ʻOe." Liliʻuokalani's legacy endures as a powerful symbol of Hawaiian sovereignty, cultural preservation, and nonviolent resistance, her life story remaining central to the modern Hawaiian sovereignty movement and the complex history of U.S. annexation of Hawaii in 1898.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The name Liliʻuokalani is often subject to misspelling and typographical errors, primarily due to the inclusion of the ʻokina (ʻ), a glottal stop that is a consonant in the Hawaiian language. Common misspellings omit this critical diacritical mark, resulting in "Liliuokalani." Other frequent errors include substituting an apostrophe for the ʻokina, as in "Lili'uokalani," or using an accent mark incorrectly. The name is also sometimes misspelled as "Lilioukalanai" or "Liliuokalanai," reflecting phonetic guesses. It is important to note that the correct use of the ʻokina is a sign of respect for the Hawaiian language and cultural accuracy. Additionally, her given name at birth, Lydia Kamakaʻeha, is also frequently seen, and she was given the name Liliʻuokalani upon her designation as heir apparent.

Example Sentences

Following the overthrow of her government, Liliʻuokalani embarked on a diplomatic campaign, traveling to Washington D.

C.

to petition President Grover Cleveland for the restoration of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Scholars often analyze the poignant hymns and compositions written by Liliʻuokalani, particularly during her imprisonment, as expressions of national lament and resilience.

The Queen's memoir, "Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen," remains a vital primary source for understanding the events leading to the annexation of Hawaii.

Today, portraits of Liliʻuokalani are displayed prominently in homes and institutions across the islands as a reminder of Hawaii's independent history.

Her enduring legacy is honored annually on Liliʻuokalani Day, a state holiday in Hawaii.

Related Pronunciations


📂 Browse all words in the Other Historical Figures category ➔