Kalākaua

Kalākaua, born David Laʻamea Kamanakapuʻu Māhinulani Nālaʻiaʻehuokalani Lumialani Kalākaua on November 16, 1836, was the last king and penultimate monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi. His reign began on February 12, 1874, following the election to the throne against Queen Emma, and lasted until his death in 1891. Known affectionately as the Merrie Monarch, Kalākaua was celebrated for his vibrant personality, often entertaining guests with his singing and ukulele playing.

During his time on the throne, Kalākaua championed Hawaiian culture, notably lifting the ban on hula during his coronation and birthday jubilee, transforming these events into grand celebrations of Hawaiian heritage. His reign also saw the signing of the Reciprocity Treaty of 1875, which brought significant prosperity to the kingdom, although its renewal granted the United States exclusive use of Pearl Harbor.

In 1881, Kalākaua embarked on a world tour aimed at promoting the immigration of contract sugar plantation workers and encouraging Hawaiians to pursue education beyond their shores. He initiated a government-financed program to support qualified students in studying abroad. His ambitious projects included the statue of Kamehameha I and the reconstruction of ʻIolani Palace, both of which remain popular tourist attractions today.

However, extravagant spending and his vision for a Polynesian confederation fueled the ambitions of annexationists seeking to integrate Hawaiʻi into the United States. In 1887, under pressure, Kalākaua signed a new constitution that effectively reduced the monarchy to a ceremonial role. Following the death of his brother William Pitt Leleiohoku II in 1877, he named their sister Liliʻuokalani as his heir-apparent, who later served as regent during his absences and ultimately became the last monarch of Hawaiʻi after his passing.