Hawaiian Leaders

Hawaiian Leaders
From Kamehameha IV to Liliuokalani

7th Grade Social Studies

Overview
The Hawaiian Kingdom changed a lot under its last few rulers, starting with Kamehameha IV and ending with Queen Liliʻuokalani. These leaders worked hard to protect Hawaiian sovereignty, build strong diplomatic relationships, and improve life for their people. They faced many challenges, like changes in the constitution, growing inequality, and pressure from foreign powers. They also fought to keep Hawaiian traditions, or 'ike, alive. Their legacy is still important in conversations about Hawaii’s history and future.

Kamehameha IV (1855-1863)

Kamehameha IV, born Alexander Liholiho, became king when he was 21 years old. He wanted to protect Hawaii from the growing influence of the United States and other countries. He built strong diplomatic ties with Great Britain and France to balance American power.

Kamehameha IV (1855-1863)

One of his biggest contributions was in healthcare. He and his wife, Queen Emma, founded The Queen’s Medical Center in 1859 to help Native Hawaiians who were suffering from diseases brought by foreigners. This hospital still exists today. Kamehameha IV also improved infrastructure, such as roads and harbors, to help the economy and trade. Additionally, he promoted education by supporting schools that provided both Western and Hawaiian learning, ensuring that the younger generations could preserve their culture while adapting to modern advancements.

Queen's Medical Center

Then vs Today

Kamehameha IV (1855-1863)

He did not like the 1852 Constitution because he felt it gave too much power to the legislature and weakened the monarchy. Because of this, he delayed appointing a new legislature for several years. He also supported translations of Western medical texts into the Hawaiian language so that more people could access important health information. Unfortunately, his rule was cut short when he died from illness in 1863, a great loss to the Hawaiian people.

Multiple Choice

What was one of Kamehameha IV’s biggest contributions to Hawaii?

• Establishing a new constitution

• Building The Queen’s Medical Center

• Creating the Bayonet Constitution

• Overthrowing the monarchy

Multiple Choice

Why did Kamehameha IV delay appointing a new legislature?

• He was focused on traveling to foreign nations

• He disagreed with the 1852 Constitution

• He was too young to make decisions

Multiple Select

Which two countries did Kamehameha IV form strong diplomatic ties with?

• France

• United States

• Great Britain

• Japan

Multiple Choice

How did Kamehameha IV support education in Hawaii?

• By encouraging Hawaiian children to study abroad

• By supporting schools that taught both Western and Hawaiian learning

• By outlawing Western education

Kamehameha V (1863-1872)

Kamehameha V, or Lot Kapuāiwa, took over after his brother’s death. He wanted the monarchy to have more control, so he refused to follow the 1852 Constitution. Instead, in 1864, he created a new constitution that gave the king more power but took away voting rights from many people by adding property requirements. This led to greater inequality in the government and made it harder for common Hawaiians to have a voice in politics.

Kamehameha V (1863-1872)

He was dedicated to preserving Hawaiian culture and traditions. He encouraged people to practice Hawaiian customs and speak the Hawaiian language. His support for 'ike helped Hawaiians feel proud of their heritage at a time when Western influences were growing. He also supported public health initiatives, understanding the need to combat the diseases that were decreasing the Native Hawaiian population.

Kamehameha V (1863-1872)

Kamehameha V had no children, and when he died in 1872, there was no clear heir. This caused a political crisis. His death marked the end of the Kamehameha dynasty, leading to a new way of selecting the next ruler.

Multiple Choice

What major change did Kamehameha V make to Hawaii’s government?

• He expanded voting rights

• He refused to follow the 1852 Constitution and created a new one

• He made Hawaii part of the United States

Multiple Choice

How did Kamehameha V promote Hawaiian culture?

• By encouraging people to practice Hawaiian customs and speak Hawaiian

• By banning Western clothing and language

• By sending Hawaiians to study only in the United States

Multiple Choice

What problem arose after Kamehameha V’s death?

• He had no children or chosen successor

• Hawaii was invaded by another country

• The Hawaiian monarchy was abolished

Multiple Choice

What was one of the challenges that Kamehameha V tried to address?

• Building an army to fight against Western powers

• Preventing the spread of diseases among Native Hawaiians

• Expanding sugar plantations for foreign businesses

Lunalilo (1873-1874)

After Kamehameha V’s death, the people elected William Charles Lunalilo as king. He believed in democracy and wanted to give more power to the legislature instead of keeping it with the monarchy. He supported a more open government and wanted Hawaiians to have a greater say in their country's future.

Lunalilo (1873-1874)

Lunalilo also wanted to help Native Hawaiians, especially with land ownership. He was concerned about the growing number of foreign businesses controlling Hawaiian land and wanted to protect the rights of the Hawaiian people. However, his efforts were cut short as he became ill and passed away in 1874. Even though he ruled for a short time, he made a lasting impact by promoting democracy and Hawaiian sovereignty. Before his death, he requested that his estate be used to help Native Hawaiians, and today, Lunalilo Home continues his legacy by providing care for elderly Hawaiians.

Multiple Choice

How was Lunalilo chosen as king?

• He was the son of Kamehameha V

• He was elected by the people

• He appointed himself as the king

Multiple Choice

What did Lunalilo want to change about the Hawaiian government?

• He wanted to strengthen the monarchy’s power

• He wanted to increase the role of the legislature

• He wanted to remove all foreign influences

Multiple Choice

What issue worried Lunalilo about land in Hawaii?

• Foreign businesses were taking too much control

• There was not enough land for sugar plantations

• Hawaiians refused to farm the land

Multiple Choice

What did Lunalilo do before he died?

• He tried to overthrow the monarchy

• He signed a treaty with Japan

• He created Lunalilo Home to help elderly Hawaiians

Kalākaua (1874-1891)

David Kalākaua, called the “Merrie Monarch,” was chosen as king after Lunalilo. He focused on strengthening Hawaii’s position in the world while also keeping Hawaiian traditions alive. He brought back cultural practices like hula, which Christian missionaries had tried to stop. His dedication to cultural preservation made him an important figure in Hawaiian history.

Kalākaua (1874-1891)

In 1881, Kalākaua became the first reigning monarch to travel around the world. His goal was to build relationships with other countries, including Japan, to bring immigrants to Hawaii and limit U.S. influence. During his travels, he visited the United States, Europe, and Asia, studying their governments and economies. He wanted Hawaii to become a stronger nation while keeping its independence.

Kalākaua (1874-1891)

Despite his efforts, Kalākaua was forced to sign the 1887 Constitution, known as the “Bayonet Constitution.” This document, created mostly by American and European business leaders, took away much of the king’s power and gave more control to the legislature. It also made it harder for Native Hawaiians to vote, increasing inequality. This was a major step toward the loss of Hawaiian sovereignty.

Kalākaua (1874-1891)

Kalākaua also focused on improving infrastructure, encouraging technological advancements, and modernizing the Hawaiian military. He built ʻIolani Palace, the only royal palace in the United States, which had electricity before the White House. However, his reign ended in 1891 when he passed away, leaving his sister, Liliʻuokalani, as his successor.

Multiple Choice

Why was Kalākaua known as the “Merrie Monarch”?

• He traveled the world to learn about different cultures

• He loved music, dance, and Hawaiian traditions

• He expanded Hawaii’s sugar plantations

Multiple Choice

What major event happened during Kalākaua’s reign?

• He was forced to sign the Bayonet Constitution

• He abolished the Hawaiian monarchy

• He made Hawaii part of Great Britain

Multiple Choice

What was Kalākaua’s goal when he traveled around the world?

• To build relationships with other nations and strengthen Hawaii

• To find a new place for Hawaiians to live

• To sell Hawaiian land to European countries

Multiple Choice

What was one of Kalākaua’s accomplishments?

• He built ʻIolani Palace with modern technology

• He banned all foreign businesses from Hawaii

• He removed the power of the legislature

Queen Liliʻuokalani (1891-1893)

Queen Liliʻuokalani became Hawaii’s first and only ruling queen after her brother Kalākaua died. She wanted to bring back power to the monarchy and Native Hawaiians, so she proposed a new constitution to undo the changes from the Bayonet Constitution. Her goal was to give Hawaiians more control over their own government and lands.

Queen Liliʻuokalani (1891-1893)

However, powerful American and European business leaders opposed her ideas because they didn’t want to lose control of Hawaii’s economy. One of the key figures in her overthrow was Sanford B. Dole, a lawyer and politician who supported the interests of American businessmen. He played a leading role in organizing the coup against Liliʻuokalani and later became the president of the Republic of Hawaii after the monarchy was overthrown. In 1893, American businessmen, with support from the U.S. military, forced Liliʻuokalani to give up her throne. Even though she protested and asked the U.S. government for help, she was unable to return to power.

Queen Liliʻuokalani (1891-1893)

Even after losing the throne, Queen Liliʻuokalani continued to fight for her people. She wrote many Hawaiian songs, including “Aloha ʻOe,” which is still famous today. She also wrote a book about Hawaii’s history and her experiences as queen. She spent the rest of her life advocating for the rights of Native Hawaiians, even petitioning the U.S. government to restore Hawaiian lands to its people. Although she never regained her throne, her legacy remains a symbol of resilience and the struggle to keep Hawaiian sovereignty.

Multiple Choice

What was Queen Liliʻuokalani’s main goal as ruler?

• To bring back power to the monarchy and Native Hawaiians

• To sell Hawaii to the United States

• To expand American business influence

Multiple Choice

Why was Queen Liliʻuokalani removed from power?

• She decided to step down to focus on writing music

• She was overthrown by American businessmen with U.S. military support

• She lost an election to another Hawaiian leader

Multiple Choice

How did Queen Liliʻuokalani continue to fight for Hawaiian sovereignty after her overthrow?

• She wrote songs and a book to share Hawaiian culture and history

• She left Hawaii and never returned

• She asked the U.S. government to take over Hawaii permanently

Multiple Choice

What song is Queen Liliʻuokalani famous for writing?

• “Hawai’i Pono’i”

• “Aloha ʻOe”

• “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride”

Conclusion

The last Hawaiian monarchs, from Kamehameha IV to Queen Liliʻuokalani, played a big role in Hawaii’s history. They faced diplomatic challenges, improved infrastructure, and worked to protect Hawaiian culture. However, foreign influence, political struggles, and inequality led to the end of the Hawaiian monarchy. Their legacy continues to inspire those fighting for Hawaiian rights, sovereignty, and cultural preservation today. The story of these monarchs is not just about the past—it is also about the present and future of Hawaii, as efforts continue to restore and honor Hawaiian culture and independence.

Reorder

Reorder the following Hawaiian leaders from earliest to last.

• Kamehameha IV

• Kamehameha V

• Luanlilo

• Kalākaua

• Lili'uokalani

1

2

3

4

5

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

Match

Match the Hawaiian monarchs to their picture.

Kamehameha IV

Kamehameha V

Lunalilo

Kalākaua

Lili'uokalani

• Kamehameha IV

• Kamehameha V

• Lunalilo

• Kalākaua

• Lili'uokalani

Drag and Drop

This photograph shows ​

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which was created by ​

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and his wife Queen Emma. This was an important hospital that helped Hawaiians ​that were ​

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Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

Queen's Medical Center

Lunalilo Home

Kamehameha IV

suffering from diseases.

Kamehameha V

Lunalilo

poor and had no money.

homeless from the Great Mahele.

Palimomi Hospital

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This photograph shows ​

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which was his ​

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(property) donated after his death and was used to help care for ​

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.

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Lunalilo Home

Iolani Palace

estate

elderly Hawaiians

sick Hawaiians

poor Hawaiians

kuleana

Queen's Medical Center

Drag and Drop

This photograph shows ​

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which was the place where ​

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was forced to sign the ​

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Constitution. ​

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was also held captive there where she wrote the song ​

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.

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Iolani Palace

Kalākaua

Bayonet

Lili'uokalani

Aloha O'e

Mele Kalikimaka

Bayou

Lunalilo

Queen's Medical Center

Buckingham Palace

Drag and Drop

This is a photograph of ​

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was a lawyer and politician that supported ​the interests of ​

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businessmen. He had a leading role in the coup that overthrew ​

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from her throne. After the monarchy was overthrown he became the President of the ​

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. Eventually Hawaii was annexed by the United States and become territory, then eventually the ​

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state of America.

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Sanford B. Dole

American

Lili'uokalani

Republic of Hawaii

50th

49th

Kalākaua

James Dole

Province of Hawaii

British