How was Hawii Imperalized?

Answer 1

Essentially, the Hawai'ian kings slowly transferred more power from the monarchy to the people over the course of the 19th century.

After the Paulet Affair in 1843, Britain and France pledged to respect the sovereignty of the "Sandwich Islands" and not take possession directly or as a protectorate. The US declined to join in this pledge.

Unfortunately for the monarchy, they kept having corruption scandals, and in 1887, King David Kalākaua was forced to sign a new constitution that effectively neutered the monarchy. When his successor, Queen Lili'uokalani tried to abrogate the constitution and regain some of her power, locals organized and overthrew her, forming a republic. Most of these locals were of American and European descent - who wanted to join the US. That republic quickly turned around and campaigned to join the US.