Image for King Kalākaua

King Kalākaua

King Kalākaua, also known as the "Merrie Monarch," was the last reigning king of Hawaii, ruling from 1874 until his death in 1891. He worked to revive Hawaiian culture, including traditions, language, and arts, which had declined under foreign influence. Kalākaua also modernized Hawaii by building infrastructure and strengthening the islands’ sovereignty. His reign was marked by efforts to balance Western influences with Hawaiian identity, but political tensions and foreign pressures eventually led to the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy shortly after his death. He remains remembered for his dedication to preserving Hawaii’s cultural heritage.