# Kalākaua

> last reigning king of the Kingdom of Hawaii (1836–1891)

**Wikidata**: [Q163080](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q163080)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalākaua)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kalakaua

## Summary
Kalākaua was the last reigning king of the Kingdom of Hawaii, ruling from 1836 to 1891. He was a monarch and composer, known for his diplomatic efforts and cultural contributions to the Hawaiian Kingdom.

## Biography
- Born: November 16, 1836
- Nationality: Hawaiian
- Education: Studied at the Royal School of Kamehameha III
- Known for: Leading the Kingdom of Hawaii through a period of modernization and diplomacy
- Employer(s): King of the Kingdom of Hawaii
- Field(s): Monarchy, diplomacy, music

## Contributions
Kalākaua established the Royal Order of Kalākaua in 1875, which honored outstanding citizens of the Hawaiian Kingdom. He also received prestigious international awards, including the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour from France and the Collar of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum from Japan. His reign saw efforts to modernize Hawaiian governance while preserving cultural traditions.

## FAQs
**What was Kalākaua's role in the Kingdom of Hawaii?**
Kalākaua served as the monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii from 1836 to 1891, overseeing a period of modernization and diplomacy.

**What awards did Kalākaua receive?**
Kalākaua received the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour from France and the Collar of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum from Japan, among other honors.

**What was the Royal Order of Kalākaua?**
The Royal Order of Kalākaua was established in 1875 to recognize outstanding citizens of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

## Why They Matter
Kalākaua's reign marked a significant period in Hawaiian history, balancing modernization with cultural preservation. His diplomatic efforts and leadership helped shape the Kingdom of Hawaii's relationship with international powers, leaving a lasting impact on the nation's governance and identity.

## Notable For
- Last reigning king of the Kingdom of Hawaii (1836–1891)
- Founder of the Royal Order of Kalākaua (1875)
- Recipient of the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour (France)
- Recipient of the Collar of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum (Japan)
- Known for his contributions to Hawaiian diplomacy and cultural preservation

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Kalākaua was born on November 16, 1836, and received his education at the Royal School of Kamehameha III, where he studied under King Kamehameha III.

### Reign and Leadership
Kalākaua ascended to the throne in 1836 and ruled until his death in 1891. His reign saw efforts to modernize Hawaiian governance while preserving cultural traditions.

### Diplomatic Efforts
Kalākaua engaged in diplomatic activities, including a world tour that strengthened the Kingdom of Hawaii's international relations. He received prestigious awards from foreign governments, including the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour from France and the Collar of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum from Japan.

### Cultural and Social Contributions
Kalākaua was also a composer and made significant contributions to Hawaiian music. He established the Royal Order of Kalākaua in 1875 to honor outstanding citizens of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

### Legacy
Kalākaua's leadership and cultural contributions left a lasting impact on the Kingdom of Hawaii, shaping its governance and identity. His efforts to modernize while preserving tradition continue to influence Hawaiian society today.

## References

1. [Kongelig Dansk Hof- og Statskalender](https://slaegtsbibliotek.dk/908077.pdf#page=39)
2. International Standard Name Identifier
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. MusicBrainz
5. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
6. SNAC
7. Find a Grave
8. BnF authorities
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. Integrated Authority File