Kalākaua

Lore & Background

Kalākaua was born at 2 a.m. Of the aliʻi class, his family was considered collateral relations of the House of Kamehameha. At age four, Kalākaua returned to Oʻahu to attend the Chiefs' Children's School (later Royal School), where he was formally proclaimed eligible for the throne. He studied under American missionaries Amos Starr Cooke and Juliette Montague Cooke, becoming fluent in English and Hawaiian. His military and government career included service as aide-de-camp to Prince Liholiho, brevet captain, major, colonel, Chief Clerk of the Department of the Interior, Postmaster General, King's Chamberlain, and clerk in the Land Office.

Reader's Guide

Kalākaua's reign marked a pivotal period in Hawaiian history. Expensive projects like the statue of Kamehameha I and rebuilding ʻIolani Palace remain popular tourist attractions. However, his extravagant expenditures and plans for a Polynesian confederation fueled annexationist movements. After his death, his sister Liliʻuokalani became the last monarch of Hawaiʻi. His revival of the hula at his coronation and birthday jubilee, after it had been banned in public, became a lasting symbol of Hawaiian cultural celebration.

Did You Know?

• Kalākaua was known as the Merrie Monarch for his convivial personality and enjoyed entertaining guests with his singing and ukulele playing.
• He was born on the same day an unequal treaty imposed by British Captain Lord Edward Russell was signed.
• His grandfather Kamanawa II was executed for murder, and Kalākaua may have witnessed the public hanging.