Kalakaua: Hawaii’s Last King

In this pictorial biography, over 180 old photographs, anecdotes written by personages of the day, letters, and newspaper accounts paint a glowing picture of the colorful reign of Hawai’i’s last king. David Kalakaua ruled the Hawaiian Islands from 1874 until 1891 at a crucial time in Hawaii’s history when the Islands were undergoing great changes. There was an alarming influx of foreigners who brought with them other cultures and unknown diseases.

King Kalakaua saw that the only way to preserve his fast diminishing people was to lead them back to their old traditions. Thus he set about reviving the ancient chants and hula and the Hale Naua (The School of Wisdom). Under the king’s patronage there was an enormous resurgence of Hawaiian culture. But his enemies in the missionary party were relentless in prying this innovative king from his throne. The strain of withstanding their attacks took its toll on Kalakaua. After reigning over his island kingdom for seventeen years, he went to San Francisco to alleviate his failing health in late 1890. He died there, at the Palace Hotel, in January, 1891.

About the Author

Author/artist Kristin Zambucka was born and educated in Auckland, New Zealand. She has traveled widely throughout the Pacific area recording the faces and customs of the New Zealand Maoris, the Fijians, the Australian Aborigines, and the Hawaiians. She has also worked with Navajo and Sioux people in the United States.

Her paintings have been exhibited with acclaim throughout the world and her publications include: Face from the Past, Faces of Fiji, Princess Kaiulani of Hawaii: The Monarchy’s Last Hope, High Chiefess Ruth Keelikolani, Anoano: The Seed, and Vuda: The Source. In the 1983 New Year Honors, Kristin Zambucka was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal by Queen Elizabeth II.