Which king is also known as the Merrie Monarch?

The Merrie Monarch is a title associated with King David Kalakaua, who reigned from 1874 to 1891. He earned this nickname due to his love for celebrating Hawaiian culture through music, dance, and festivals. Kalakaua encouraged the revival of traditional Hawaiian customs and arts after a period of decline, which is particularly evident in his support for hula and other cultural practices. His reign is often regarded as a renaissance for Hawaiian culture.

The Merrie Monarch Festival, an annual event held in Hilo, is named in his honor and celebrates Hawaiian culture through hula competitions and other cultural presentations, further cementing his legacy. The other kings mentioned, while significant in Hawaiian history, do not share this particular association with the cultural revitalization that Kalakaua championed.