The film stars Q'Orianka Kilcher in the role of Princess Ka'iulani, one of the last heirs to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawaii. The movie follows the progression of Ka'iulani's short life, beginning with a happy life in Honolulu interrupted by the events surrounding the imposition of the Bayonet Constitution. The movie follows her through her education in Victorian England, the announcement of the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii, her campaign to attempt to convince the United States to reverse the overthrow, and her return to Hawaii.