Study Barn

King David Kalakaua, who reigned over the Hawaiian kingdom from 1874 until his death in 1891, is best known as the “Merrie Monarch.” This name was inspired by the king’s love of music, parties and fine food and drinks, but he is remembered most for being the king who brought pride back to the Hawaiian people. During his reign, King Kalakaua successfully restored Hawaiian cultural practices and traditions that were suppressed for decades, replaced instead with Christian missionary teachings. There was a time when dancing hula was forbidden.