Hawaii in 1889 is a pristine island paradise. Thireteen year old Princess Ka'iulani lives a carefree life at Ainachau, her home by the sea in Waikiki, Oahu. Used to having personal governesses as tutors, her family has decided that as a future monarch, she is to be educated abroad at a boarding school in England. While abroad Hawaii is transforming from a monarchy to a provisional government, a movement strongly opposed by the Hawaiian people. The young princess rallies to her people's cause.