How Is King Kalakau An Effective Leader

The history of Hawaii’s leaders is always worth noting when commenting on their greatest achievements. Kamehameha I, for example, was responsible for unifying all the islands together, and thus leading the Hawaiian people into a new era of leadership. King Kalakaua as well is well noticed leader in Hawaiian history. Though most people believed that King Kalakaua was not an effective leader, blaming him for giving power to foreigners, he was actually very beneficial for the people of Hawaii. For thank to him, the island saw the restoration of Hawaiian culture, and advocated for the rights of his people. In fact, on his deathbed, he said to tell his people that “ I have tried,”. Thus implying his persistence in fighting for the people of Hawaii.

According to The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica (2008) “There was an ever-increasing endeavor by King Kalakaua to restore the ancient Hawaiian social order with its customs and ideas of absolutism and divine right.” He also threw traditional Hawaiian parties that included hula, Hawaiian food, and Hawaiian music. Food included Lau Lau, Poi, and Kalua Pork. Music included instruments such as the ukulele and the pahu, a Hawaiian drum. Because of King Kalakaua, he was able to revive the Hawaiian culture. Thanks to him the culture lives on until this day. For example, people today celebrates The Merry Monarch which occurs every Easter and is held in honor for what King Kalakaua did to revive the Hawaiian Culture. Also, people on the island sing the Hawaiian Kingdom’s national anthem Hawai’i Pono'i, which honors King Kamehameha

He felt that the Hawaiian people needed more power after the Great Mahele. Which gave more land to foreigners and less land to Hawaiians. According to The Learning Network (2012) “In 1874, David Kalakaua became king and sought to reduce the power of the white Missionary Party (later Reform Party) in the government.” In his attempts to reduce white power, he bought many extravagant native items to show power over the foreigners. Items include Iolani Palace that still stands till this day and symbolizes Hawaii’s independence during his reign. However, despite all of his attempts to bring back power to the Hawaiians, he was faced with the Bayonet Constitution. This restricted his power and ended his monarchy as the king. Even though his power was diminished, he never stopped trying to fight for his people’s