Bishop Museum
The State Museum of Natural and Cultural History
Honolulu, Hawai‘i
Kalakaua bust
(18k)
The "Merrie" Monarch
David Laamea Kamanakapuu Mahinulani Naloiaehuokalani Lumialani Kalakaua, was born
in Honolulu of chiefly rank, then became a king. He attended the Royal School
and had many careers, among others, in the militia, as a lawyer and as Hawai‘i 's
Postmaster General. In 1874, at age 37, the Hawaiian
Legislature elected him king. During his reign, he worked tirelessly to restore
elements of Hawai‘i 's culture banned by the missionaries, such as the hula. His
fondest hope for Hawaiians was to "be restored to our former position of pride
and power in our own land." As a skilled diplomat, sportsman, author, historian,
inventor and world traveler, Kalakaua's life was a mixture of Hawaiian and Western
cultures. His nickname of "Merrie Monarch" evolved from the many gala events he
hosted at `Iolani Palace.
Sculptor, Allen Hutchinson (1855-1929)
The bronze bust of Kalakaua was cast at the behest of the Kalakaua Monument
Association. In 1897, it was donated by Hutchinson to the Museum.
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The State Museum of Natural and Cultural History
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Revised March 16, 1997 by jys
(18k)