His Majesty King David Kalākaua was named David  Laʻamea Kamananakapu Mahinulani Naloiaehuokalani Lumialani Kalākaua and was born on November 16, 1836, a son of High Chief Kapaʻakea & the Chiefess Keohokālole.

 Kalākaua was officially eligible for the throne declared by HM King Kamehameha III and was entered in the Chiefs' Children's School.  

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He became king by election on February 13, 1874 under the Hawaiian constitutional law when the throne was left vacant after the death of King Lunalilo . The other proclaimed candidate from the eligible members to the throne was the Queen Dowager Emma Rooke, granddaughter of Kealiʻimaikaʻi (Kamehameha's brother). The controversial election resulted in an uproar of Queen Emma's supporters, comprised by the majority of the Hawaiian people. The Marines from American & British vessels were called to restore civil order and eventually Queen Emma acknowledged Kalākaua as the new king.

 

In 1881, Kalākaua went on tour of the world to visit the heads of state of which he was royally received. He was a 33rd degree Masonic member and Knights Templar, who built the grand replacement of ʻIolani Palace.  

 

 In 1887, Kalākaua was forced by death to sign the "Bayonet Constitution", restricting him of his powers which eventually led to the downfall of the kingdom, when his sister who became Queen drafted a new Constitution to replace it.