Did All Native Hawaiians Support U.S. Annexation in 1898? Absolutely Not.

No. The 1898 annexation of Hawaii was vehemently opposed by the vast majority of Native Hawaiians (Kānaka Maoli).

Resistance Evidence

• Kūʻē Petitions (1897): 21,269 signatures (over 50% of Native Hawaiian population) opposing annexation — delivered to U.S. Senate.
• Queen Liliʻuokalani: Protested to U.S. Congress; wrote Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen; sought restoration.
• Hui Aloha ʻĀina (Hawaiian Patriotic League): Organized mass meetings, petitions, lobbying.
• Newspapers: Ke Aloha Aina, Ka Makaainana published anti-annexation editorials in Hawaiian language.
• No Plebiscite: U.S. never held a vote in Hawaii. Annexation via Newlands Resolution (joint resolution, not treaty — required only majority, not 2/3 Senate).

Context

• 1893: U.S.-backed overthrow of Hawaiian Kingdom (Committee of Safety, U.S. Marines).
• 1894: Republic of Hawaii declared (oligarchy of American/European businessmen).
• 1897: McKinley administration pursued annexation (Spanish-American War strategic logic: Pearl Harbor).
• 1898: Newlands Resolution passed; sovereignty transferred Aug 12, 1898.

Legacy

Native Hawaiians view annexation as illegal occupation. 1993 U.S. Apology Resolution (PL 103-150) acknowledged "the overthrow was illegal." Sovereignty movement continues (Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Mauna Kea protection, federal recognition efforts).

Annexation was an act of imperialism — not a democratic choice by the Hawaiian people.