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The Hawaiian Kingdom: 5 Things They Never Taught You
The Hawaiian Kingdom:
5 Things They Never Taught You
A free educational guide from Rasta Rooster · Ko Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina · Big Island, Hawaiʻi
🌺 Fact #1: The Hawaiian Kingdom Was a Recognized Sovereign Nation
The Hawaiian Kingdom maintained diplomatic relations with the United States, Great Britain, France, Japan, and over a dozen other nations. It had its own constitution (1840), its own currency, its own military, and its own postal system. It was a fully functioning modern nation-state — not a tribal territory.
✊ Fact #2: The 1893 Overthrow Was Illegal Under International Law
American businessman Sanford Dole, backed by a group of sugar plantation owners and supported by U.S. Marines from the USS Boston, overthrew Queen Liliʻuokalani in January 1893. President Grover Cleveland — the U.S. President at the time — called it an 'act of war' and demanded restoration of the Queen. Congress refused. The occupation continued.
📜 Fact #3: The United States Formally Apologized — In Writing
In 1993, the U.S. Congress passed and President Bill Clinton signed Public Law 103-150 — known as the Apology Resolution. It formally acknowledges that the overthrow was illegal, that the Native Hawaiian people never relinquished their sovereignty, and that the United States bears responsibility. The law exists. The occupation continues.
🔥 Fact #4: Ko Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina Is Not the Past — It Is the Present
The Hawaiian Kingdom was never legally dissolved through any treaty or agreement with the Hawaiian people. What happened was military occupation, not annexation by consent. Under international law, an occupation — even a 130-year occupation — does not extinguish the rights of the occupied nation. Ko Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina is alive in the people who carry it.
💛 Fact #5: Cultural Preservation Is an Act of Sovereignty
Every time a Hawaiian word is spoken, every time lāʻau lapaʻau (traditional healing) is practiced, every time a Kanaka Maoli person teaches their children the oli (chant) and the hula — that is sovereignty in action. Culture is not separate from politics. Culture is the foundation of nationhood.
🐓 About Rasta Rooster
Rasta Rooster is a Big Island brand built by Ken Banks — developer, designer, founder, and brand ambassador — from the black sands of Kalapana, Puna. Our KHPA Kingdom Wear collection exists to honor this truth. The Kingdom Neva Left. KHPA 777. JAH Run.