Rhythmically Royal! - Queen Liliuokalani Creates and Preserves Hawaiian Music

Learn about the inspiring life of Hawaiian Queen Liliʻuokalani—and her passion for music that shaped her legacy. Perfect for young readers ages 7-10.

Before Hawai’i was a US state, it was a kingdom, and Liliʻuokalani was its first and only queen. And before she was a queen, Liliʻuokalani made her mark as a composer and musician. Born in 1838, young Lili‘u lived for mele, the Hawaiian word for music. She sang at the seaside, in gardens, on horseback—from dawn to dusk. As she grew up, Lili‘u could never remember a time when song did not soothe her, traditional legends did not move her, and the welfare of the Hawaiian peopledid not concern her.

Lili’u’s musical compositions caught the ear of the king of Hawai’i, and he commissioned her to write a song for his kingdom. Soon, her Hawaiian national anthem was sung by everyone! Her music strengthened her people, comforted them in times of sadness, and promoted aloha—peace, compassion, and love.

Caitlin DeLems's poetic text pairs beautifully with Yoko Tanaka's lush and highly accurate paintings to capture the music of Hawai'i and its queen.