Had it not been for the fact that Queen Lili'uokalani was Hawaii's last monarch prior to the kingdom's annexation by the United States, her historical reputation would rest secure in her musical accomplishments. A gifted lyricist and musician, and a prolific composer, she attracted a large international following even by nineteenth-century standards. The luxury of unfettered musical study eluded her, however. Lydia Kamaka'eha Paki, as she was known in the early years of her life, was destined to become one of the Hawaiian kingdom's most remarkable literary figures and, at the same time, its most enigmatic political leader. Her role as a national leader and author made her one of the most notable women in late-nineteenth-century U.S. culture.

Lydia's natural mother was Anale'a Keohokalole, an ali'i nui (high chief ) daughter of 'Aikanaka and Kamae, both of Hawaii island; her natural father was Kaisara Kaluaiku Kamaka'ehukai Kahana Keola...