The new album by Bad Bunny, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, is more than just music; it’s a statement, a cry, and a remembrance. Among its tracks, Lo que pasó en Hawaii stands out for its historical depth and powerful message. But what exactly happened in Hawaii that’s worth telling?
What Happened in Hawaii and Why Did Bad Bunny Bring It Back in DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS?
In this album, Bad Bunny goes beyond Puerto Rico, shining a light on another island that, like his homeland, suffered under colonialism and exploitation: Hawaii.
In 1891, King Kalākaua of Hawaii passed away, leaving the throne to his sister, Queen Liliʻuokalani. During her reign, she faced political and economic turmoil driven by American interests eager to seize control of Hawaiian lands. In 1895, the queen was overthrown in a coup led by white settlers and businessmen seeking to annex the island to the United States.
Under duress, the queen was forced to abdicate to prevent the execution of six of her loyal followers who had defended the kingdom. Reflecting on this moment, Queen Liliʻuokalani wrote in her memoirs:
“For myself, I would have chosen death rather than signing that document. But I thought of my position… the torrent of blood ready to flow unless stopped by my pen.”
With her fall, Hawaii lost its sovereignty. Native lands were sold to white plantation owners and American entrepreneurs who turned the island into a massive sugar plantation. By 1874, Hawaii was exporting 25 million pounds of sugar annually, enriching the colonizers while leaving native Hawaiians politically disenfranchised and stripped of their land.
Bad Bunny’s Warning: “What Happened in Hawaii Can Happen Here”
In Lo que pasó en Hawaii, Bad Bunny doesn’t just mourn Hawaii’s past; he draws a parallel to Puerto Rico’s current reality. Gentrification and forced displacement are recurring themes in his music, and this track is no exception.
“They want my river, they want my beach. They want my neighborhood, and they want abuelita to leave. No, don’t let go of the flag, don’t forget the lelolai. I don’t want them to do to you what happened to Hawaii,” he sings, making it clear that the fight to preserve land and identity is deeply personal.
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
Bad Bunny also openly criticizes political leaders who enable wealthy foreigners to buy large portions of Puerto Rico, leaving locals without homes or opportunities. His call to action is firm:
“You put them there with your vote; if they don’t deliver, take them out.”
A Message That Transcends Borders
Through this song, Bad Bunny doesn’t just speak for Puerto Rico or Hawaii but highlights a shared reality for many communities across Latin America. Exploitation, displacement, and cultural erasure force millions to leave their homes in search of better lives.
“Nobody here wanted to leave, and those who did dream of coming back… If it ever happens to me, it’ll hurt so much,” he laments, reminding us that losing one’s home leaves a lasting ache.
With Lo que pasó en Hawaii, Benito Ocasio offers more than music; he delivers a history lesson and a warning about the dangers of modern colonialism. It’s a song that resonates with anyone who has felt the pain of uprooting and loss, urging us to protect what we love before it’s too late.
This article was originally written in Spanish by Alan Cruz in Cultura Colectiva.
