Kalākaua Ave was once named Waikīkī Road

HONOLULU (KHON2) – In the ahupuaʻa of Waikiki, which lies in the moku of Kona here on Oʻahu, stands the busy roadway into and through Waikīkī.

Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

We are speaking of Kalākaua Ave.

David Kalākaua was Hawaiʻi's last male monarch who served as King to the Hawaiian Kingdom for nearly 17 years.

Prior to the 20th century, Waikīkī Road was the name of the roadway that branched off King Street and passed through taro patches into Waikīkī.

In 1889, mule-drawn cars began carrying passengers from Honolulu into Waikīkī via Waikīkī Road for only ten cents.

By 1903, they were replaced with electric cars and in 1905, the road was renamed Kalākaua Avenue in honor of the King.

As time progressed and the popularity of Waikīkī grew, so did the construction to protect and evolve the thoroughfare.

Like many other Hawaiian rulers throughout history, King Kalākaua owned land in Waikīkī and had his own estate.

Maui and Kaimuki Bands exchange prior to Bandfest

Unlike his sister, Queen Liliʻuokalani, who inherited her land, Kalākaua purchased his parcel for $400 from Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani.

Named Uluniu meaning "coconut grove," that property was once located near where the Hyatt Regency is today.

Built as a two-story wooden structure within old coconut trees with verandas with a slightly sloped roof, the home named Pualeilani was not where the King Kalākaua lived but where he hosted many parties and gatherings.

Within Uluniu, the King also built a small heiau named Kamauakapu which was dedicated to husbandry.

At times, he would open up this area for the public to play makahiki games and to display Hawaiian artforms, such as hula.

It was reasons such as these which led King Kalākaua to resurrect ancient arts and gain the nickname, the Merrie Monarch.

Download the free KHON2 app for to stay informed on the latest news

Did you know? Now you do!