King of the Hawaiian Islands Kamehameha IV

Born Alexander Liholiho in 1834, Kamehameha IV became king of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi after the death of Kamehameha III in 1854. He ruled until his death in 1863 and is often remembered as a thoughtful, serious monarch who came of age during a period of growing foreign pressure on the islands.

He is known for resisting the growing influence of the United States in Hawaiian affairs and for trying to preserve the independence of the kingdom. Alongside Queen Emma, he also took a strong interest in the well-being of his people, especially as introduced diseases were devastating the Native Hawaiian population.

One of the most lasting parts of his legacy is the work he and Queen Emma did to support public health and religious life in Hawaiʻi. They helped establish Queen’s Hospital, now The Queen’s Medical Center, and played an important role in bringing the Anglican Church to the islands. Although he died at just 29, Kamehameha IV remains an important figure in Hawaiian history.