Wikipedia
Kalākaua (November 16, 1836 – January 20, 1891), born David Laamea Kamananakapu Mahinulani Naloiaehuokalani Lumialani Kalākaua and sometimes called The Merrie Monarch, was the last reigning king of the Kingdom of Hawaii. He reigned from February 12, 1874 until his death in San Francisco, California, on January 20, 1891.
During his reign hula was revived, after having been banned in 1830 by Queen Ka'ahumanu, who had converted to Christianity. He is also known for having revived surfing and the Hawaiian martial art, Kapu Kuialua.
Kalākaua and his brother and sisters were known as the "Royal Fours" for their musical talents. He wrote " Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī", which is the state song of Hawaii today. His ardent support of the then newly introduced ukulele as a Hawaiian instrument led to its becoming symbolic of Hawaii and Hawaiian culture. He is honored as "Patron of Hawaiian Music Culture" by the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Ukulele Hall of Fame in 1997.