The leaders of the kingdom of Hawaii most directly responded to attempts by United States citizens to annex their land by:

While the Hawaiian leaders were aware of international politics, their primary response to the annexation efforts was focused on domestic action rather than seeking foreign intervention. Appeals to other nations for assistance would not have addressed the immediate concern of annexation by the United States.

Threatening American commercial interests would likely have escalated tensions rather than effectively countering the annexation efforts. The Hawaiian leadership's strategy was more centered on legal and diplomatic means rather than military or economic threats.

This option suggests a strategic alliance, which was not a primary response by Hawaiian leaders. They were more concerned with maintaining their own sovereignty rather than facilitating foreign military presence that could complicate their situation further.

While economic leverage through exports was a consideration, the immediate response of Hawaiian leaders was to directly challenge the annexation treaty through petitions to Congress. Economic actions alone would not have effectively communicated their opposition to the annexation.