Lorrin A. Thurston, a prominent Hawaiian businessman and politician, spearheaded the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, specifically targeting Queen Liliʻuokalani. The conflict emerged from growing tensions between the native monarchy and American interests, particularly sugar planters who desired a more favorable political environment. In this context, the Citizens' Committee of Public Safety was formed, consisting of a group of American and European expatriates in Hawaii. They were motivated by economic concerns and the need for political reform, which they felt the monarch was hindering.

On January 17, the insurgents successfully executed their plan by obtaining assistance from the United States government. They effectively manipulated the presence of U.S. military forces, who were stationed aboard the USS Boston in the harbor of Honolulu. This maneuver not only provided protection for the coup leaders but also played a critical role in intimidating loyalist forces.

The overthrow was marked by the repudiation of Queen Liliʻuokalani's appeal for assistance against the insurgents, and her subsequent abdication. With the queen out of the picture, the provisional government was declared, and Thurston appointed himself as Minister of the Interior. This transition fundamentally altered the political landscape of Hawaii and signified the diminishing power of the monarchy. Ultimately, these events were pivotal in the path to Hawaii's annexation by the United States in 1898, thus reshaping its governance.