The Hawaiian Independence Movement seeks the restoration of Hawaiian sovereignty following the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893. Prior to annexation, Hawaii existed as an internationally recognised monarchy with treaties signed across the world.

The Kanaka Maoli people developed a highly sophisticated society with strong traditions of governance, land management, and cultural expression. The nineteenth century Hawaiian Kingdom adopted a written constitution, established diplomatic missions, and participated actively in global affairs.  In 1893 a group of American and European residents, backed by the presence of United States military forces, overthrew Queen Liliuokalani. Hawaii was annexed by the United States in 1898 without a popular vote. Native Hawaiians have long viewed the overthrow as an illegal seizure of sovereign territory. During the twentieth century cultural suppression, land loss, and demographic change deeply affected Hawaiian society, yet cultural revival movements, especially the Hawaiian Renaissance of the 1970s, renewed interest in language and tradition.  Modern Hawaiian sovereignty movements include a wide spectrum of goals. Some advocate full restoration of an independent Hawaiian state, sometimes referred to as a Hawaiian Republic or the restored Hawaiian Kingdom. Others pursue federal recognition similar to Native American tribes. Legal debates continue regarding the political status of the Hawaiian Kingdom at the time of annexation.

Today the movement emphasises historical justice, cultural revitalisation, and community based governance. While independence is not universally pursued, the call for sovereignty remains an important expression of Kanaka Maoli identity. It reflects enduring connections to land, history, and traditional authority. Hawaii’s situation remains one of the most historically significant cases of unconsented annexation in the Pacific world.