The 1843 occupation of Hawaii by Lord George Paulet arose from a series of escalating conflicts involving British nationals in the islands. Tensions had been brewing following complaints made by British merchants and residents about the treatment they received from King Kamehameha III’s government. These complaints included issues related to property disputes and legal protections for foreign nationals. When negotiations between the Hawaiian government and British officials failed to satisfy Paulet's demands, he took decisive action.

On February 25, Paulet arrived on the island of Oahu with the British warship H.M.S. Cormorant and presented an ultimatum to the Hawaiian king. His forces took control of Honolulu, effectively occupying the capital and allowing Paulet to proclaim the annexation of Hawaii to the British Empire. This occupation caused alarm among the Hawaiian populace and raised concerns about their sovereignty and future independence.

However, the British government was not in full support of Paulet's actions. Lord Aberdeen, the British Foreign Secretary, later ordered Paulet to withdraw, and by the time he left in July of the same year, the British had returned diplomatic sovereignty to Hawaii. This brief incident ultimately brought to light the growing influence of foreign powers in Hawaiian affairs and led Hawaiian leaders to recognize the need for diplomatic skills in their interactions with colonial powers.