How Hawaii lost its last monarch and saw their queen get exiled

The 1893 coup that destroyed Hawaiian sovereignty

In 1893, thirteen businessmen staged Hawaii’s most brazen power grab. Queen Lili’uokalani had ruled for just two years when American sugar barons decided she was bad for business.

They wanted to keep their sweet tax breaks. So they called in the Marines, literally. Without asking Washington first, US Minister John Stevens landed 162 troops in Honolulu.

The queen faced cannons pointed at her palace and surrendered to avoid a massacre. Here’s how America stole a kingdom, and you can walk the grounds of Iolani Palace where it all went down.

The Queen Announced Her Constitution Plans

Queen Lili’uokalani told her cabinet on January 14, 1893 that she wanted to replace the 1887 “Bayonet Constitution.” This document had stripped power from Hawaiian royalty and taken voting rights away from most native Hawaiians.

Petitions from across the islands demanded constitutional reform. Her cabinet refused to support the plan, knowing American businessmen would fight back. These sugar planters and descendants of missionaries controlled Hawaii’s economy.

The Queen backed down publicly that evening, but word had already spread.

Thirteen Businessmen Formed a Secret Committee

Hours after hearing the Queen’s announcement, thirteen men met in private Honolulu offices. The Committee of Safety included Lorrin Thurston, Sanford Dole, and other American sugar planters, lawyers, and businessmen.

Five were American citizens, one was Scottish, one German, and six were Hawaiian subjects with American parents. Their goal was simple: overthrow Queen Lili’uokalani and get Hawaii annexed to the United States.

They knew they needed American military backing to succeed against the Queen’s palace guards.

Stevens Promised Military Support That Night

Thurston and William Smith visited U.S. Minister John Stevens at his home late on January 14. Stevens listened to their overthrow plan and agreed to help without any authorization from Washington.

He believed America should control Hawaii before Britain could claim it. Stevens promised to order troops from the USS Boston, anchored in Honolulu Harbor with 162 Marines and sailors.

The three men coordinated timing for the landing and what justifications Stevens would use.

Both Sides Rallied While Conspirators Armed

The Committee held a public meeting on January 16 at 2 PM, carefully hiding their real plans to overthrow the government. They spoke only about preventing the Queen’s constitution and maintaining order.

Queen’s supporters held their own rally at Palace Square, unaware of the conspiracy. Behind the scenes, Committee members gathered weapons and ammunition.

Revolutionary John Good shot Hawaiian policeman Leialoha while transporting arms, nearly exposing the plot before it could begin.

Hawaiian Authorities Couldn’t Stop the Plot

Marshal Charles Wilson learned about the conspiracy from detectives and tried to arrest the Committee of Safety. He requested warrants for all thirteen men and wanted to declare martial law.

Attorney General Arthur Peterson repeatedly refused, fearing escalation since the conspirators had ties to Minister Stevens. Wilson and Captain Samuel Nowlein rallied 496 loyal men to defend the Queen at ‘Iolani Palace.

They had artillery and strong positions but orders not to provoke the Americans.

Boston Marines Landed at Honolulu Harbor

Stevens sent his order to Captain Gilbert Wiltse at 5 PM on January 16, requesting troops to protect American lives and property. No Americans were actually threatened.

At evening, 162 Marines and sailors landed with rifles, ammunition, and Gatling guns. Lieutenant Lucien Young led them through Honolulu’s streets toward the government buildings.

Each man carried sixty rounds of ammunition as they marched in formation through the city center.

American Forces Surrounded Government Buildings

The Marines positioned themselves at Ali’iolani Hale, directly across from ‘Iolani Palace where the Queen lived. They also occupied the U.S. Legation, Consulate, and Arion Hall with clear sight lines to the royal residence.

Though officially under orders of neutrality, their presence made Hawaiian resistance impossible. The Queen’s 496 defenders found themselves facing professional soldiers with superior weapons. The Americans never fired but didn’t need to.

Committee Members Proclaimed the Monarchy Over

Chairman Henry Cooper read the Committee’s proclamation in front of ‘Iolani Palace on January 17 morning. The Hawaiian monarchy was abolished and a Provisional Government established under President Sanford Dole.

The Committee issued an ultimatum: Queen Lili’uokalani must surrender her power or face armed violence. American troops watched from across the street while Committee forces occupied the government building.

The Queen’s guards stayed in position but couldn’t act with U.S. Marines backing the revolutionaries.

Queen Lili’uokalani Surrendered Under Protest

Facing overwhelming force, the Queen chose to surrender rather than see her people killed. Her written statement blamed “the superior force of the United States of America” and Minister Stevens for the illegal overthrow.

She surrendered conditionally, expecting President Cleveland to investigate and restore her throne. Dole received the surrender document and took control as president while the Queen remained under guard in her palace.

Stevens Raised the American Flag

Minister Stevens immediately recognized Dole’s Provisional Government without Washington’s approval. The American flag went up over ‘Iolani Palace on January 17, replacing Hawaii’s royal banner.

Stevens declared Hawaii a U.S. protectorate, vastly exceeding his authority as a diplomat. The flag symbolized American control over the islands, though Congress had never authorized annexation.

Cleveland Ordered an Investigation Into the Coup

President Grover Cleveland learned about the overthrow and withdrew the annexation treaty from the Senate. He appointed James Blount as special commissioner to investigate what happened.

After four months of testimony, Blount concluded the coup was illegal and orchestrated by American officials. Cleveland ordered the American flag removed from Hawaiian buildings and initially tried to restore the Queen, but Dole’s government refused to step down.

Visiting The ʻIolani Palace in Honolulu

ʻIolani Palace in downtown Honolulu is America’s only royal palace and where Queen Lili’uokalani lived when she was overthrown in 1893. You can see the actual Imprisonment Room on the second floor where she was held under house arrest for eight months after the coup.

Her trial for treason took place in the palace’s Throne Room, the same lavish crimson and gold chamber where King Kalākaua once held state dinners. The basement galleries show palace restoration exhibits and royal artifacts, plus you can explore the restored kitchen and chamberlain’s office.

The palace runs guided tours on Wednesdays and Thursdays, plus self-guided audio tours on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9 AM to 4 PM. You must book tickets online in advance – no walk-ups allowed.

This article was created with AI assistance and human editing.

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