David Kalakaua, the seventh monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom, was born on the 16th of November 1836 in his parents' home found near the base of Puowaina, also known as Punchbowl. His father was Chief Caesar Kapa'akea ad his mother was Chiefess Al'a Keohokalole. His brother was Lydia Lili'u Kamaka'eha.

He lived in Lahaina, Maui fora total of four years, but he was later sent to the island of O'ahu. Here he attended Chiefs' Children's School for nine years. He began military training when he was the age of fourteen. He was commissioned a captain in the Hawaiian army when he was only sixteen.

At age seventeen, he began to study law under C.C. Harris. In 1856, he became a member of the Privy Council. In 1858, he was a member of the House of Nobles. Five years later in 1863, he was a Postmaster General. He was resigned as chamberlain to King Kamehameha V in 1869. In 1874, he was a clerk in the kingdom's Land Office. This was his last employment before becoming a king.

After the death of Lunalilo, the Hawaiian Legislature of 1874 chose David to be the king over Queen Emma, the widow of King Kamehameha IV. David married to Kapi'olani in 1863, so therefore became queen.

Kalakaua was known by the Hawaiian people as "The Merrie Monarch". In 1889 he held a dinner for the commander and officers of the USS Nipsic in the State Dinning Room within the 'Iolani Palace. David's fiftieth birthday was a celebration that lasted a total of two weeks. This celebration was known as "Jubilee".

In 1844, the 'Iolani Palace was built. This structure is an example of Kalakaua's best designs. 'Iolani, meaning Royal Hawk.

David Kalakaua is very well accomplished and is known throughout history as a phenomenal ruler.