The statue of King David Kalakaua is located at the intersection of Kalakaua Avenue and Kuhio Avenue in Waikiki. Set within a small landscaped plaza along one of the busiest streets in Hawaii, it is a landmark that many visitors pass while moving between hotels, shops, and Waikiki Beach. While easy to overlook, the statue represents a central figure in Hawaiian history and offers context to the cultural identity of modern Hawaii.
Visitor Information
Location: Waikiki Gateway Park at the intersection of Kalakaua Ave & Kuhio Ave
Area: Central Waikiki
Access: Public plaza, open at all times
Cost: Free
Exact Location in Waikiki
The statue stands at the intersection of Kalakaua Avenue and Kuhio Avenue, placing it in the center of Waikiki’s hotel and shopping district. Nearby hotels within a short walk include Hotel La Croix, Holiday Inn Express Waikiki by IHG, and The Ambassador Hotel of Waikiki, Tapestry Collection by Hilton.
A Cultural and Global Leader
King David Kalākaua was born on November 16, 1836, and became king on February 12, 1874. He ruled alongside Queen Kapiolani during a period of major change in Hawaii. He is widely known for leading the revival of Hawaiian culture in the late 19th century. Kalakaua supported traditional practices such as hula, chant, and Hawaiian language expression. His motto, “Hooulu lahui” (Let the Hawaiian nation flourish), reflected this goal.
Kalakaua was also an accomplished musician. He wrote the lyrics to Hawai‘i Pono‘i, which remains the state anthem today.
A Monarch with a Global Vision
In 1881, King Kalakaua became the first monarch to travel around the world. His journey included visits to Asia, Europe, and the United States, where he worked to build international relationships for the Hawaiian Kingdom. During this trip, he met Emperor Meiji and helped establish an agreement that led to Japanese immigration to Hawaii. Between 1885 and 1924, more than 200,000 Japanese immigrants arrived in the islands, shaping the culture that visitors see today.
Lasting Landmarks and Legacy
During his reign, Kalakaua oversaw the construction of Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the United States. His coronation was held there in 1883, marking an important moment in Hawaiian history. He died on January 20, 1891, and was buried at the Royal Mausoleum in Nuʻuanu Valley on Oahu.
What the Statue Represents
The statue was dedicated in 1985 by Hawaii’s Japanese-American community. It marks 100 years since the arrival of the first Japanese contract laborers in 1885. King Kalakaua is remembered as the “Father of Japanese immigration to Hawaii.” The monument reflects appreciation for his role in shaping Hawaii’s multicultural population.
An inscription associated with his legacy reads:
Kukui a mau i ke awakea — “The torch that continues to burn in daylight.”
A Historical Landmark in a Central Location
The King Kalakaua statue stands in one of the busiest parts of Waikiki, yet it represents a period long before the area became a global destination. Its placement along Kalakaua Avenue connects present-day Waikiki with the leadership that helped shape Hawaii. A short stop here adds historical context to a visit that might otherwise focus only on the beach and hotels. It is a small landmark, but one that reflects the broader story of the islands.
