Who Would Ascend to the Throne- A Modern Quest for the King of Hawaii Today-
Who would be king of Hawaii today? This question stirs up a mix of historical intrigue and modern speculation. With the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893, the Hawaiian Islands have been governed as a territory of the United States. However, the dream of restoring the Hawaiian monarchy still lingers in the hearts of many. This article delves into the potential candidates who could claim the title of king of Hawaii in the present day.
The Hawaiian monarchy, once a powerful and revered institution, was overthrown during a coup d’état orchestrated by American and European businessmen, leading to the establishment of the Republic of Hawaii. Since then, the Hawaiian monarchy has been in a state of limbo, with various factions advocating for its restoration. One of the most prominent figures in this movement is Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last direct heir to the Hawaiian throne.
Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, born in 1831, was the great-granddaughter of King Kamehameha III. She was a visionary leader who established the Bishop Museum and the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Estate, which manages the largest private landholdings in Hawaii. Although she passed away in 1884, her descendants continue to claim the Hawaiian throne. Among them, Princess Abigail Kawananakoa stands out as a potential candidate for the title of king of Hawaii today.
Princess Abigail Kawananakoa, a great-grandniece of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, has been actively involved in the Hawaiian monarchy movement. She has advocated for the restoration of the monarchy and has even traveled to Japan to seek support from the imperial family, as Japan was once a protectorate of the Hawaiian monarchy. However, the Japanese government has not recognized the Hawaiian monarchy’s claim to the throne.
Another potential candidate for the title of king of Hawaii today is Prince David Keli’i Akina. Prince David is a descendant of King Kamehameha III and has been a prominent figure in the Hawaiian sovereignty movement. He has founded the Hawaiian Kingdom Government in Exile, which claims to be the legitimate government of Hawaii. While his efforts have gained some support, the international community has not recognized the Hawaiian Kingdom Government in Exile as a sovereign entity.
The path to restoring the Hawaiian monarchy is fraught with challenges. The Hawaiian Islands are now an integral part of the United States, and the international community has not recognized the Hawaiian monarchy’s claim to the throne. Additionally, the political and legal complexities of restoring a monarchy in a modern democracy pose significant obstacles.
In conclusion, while the question of who would be king of Hawaii today remains a matter of speculation, it highlights the enduring dream of restoring the Hawaiian monarchy. Princess Abigail Kawananakoa and Prince David Keli’i Akina are among the potential candidates who could claim the title, but the road to restoration is long and fraught with challenges. The future of the Hawaiian monarchy remains uncertain, but the spirit of the Hawaiian people and their desire for self-determination continues to inspire hope.
