Honoring King Kalākaua’s Legacy and His Historic Army Ties

WAIKĪKĪ, Hawai’i – U.S. Army Garrison Hawai’i joined local civic clubs, the Royal Order of Kamehameha, and community members on Saturday, Nov. 16, for a remembrance ceremony honoring King David Kalākaua.

Known as the Merrie Monarch, King Kalākaua was celebrated for his contributions to Hawaiian culture and his historic ties to the U.S. Army. In 1874, he became the first reigning monarch to visit the United States, meeting President Ulysses S. Grant in Washington, D.C., after arriving in San Francisco and being escorted by Maj. Gen. John Schofield. Their friendship flourished, symbolizing the enduring partnership between the Hawaiian Kingdom and the U.S. Army.

Kalākaua’s connection to what is now Schofield Barracks dates back to 1882 when his royal court built a hunting lodge at Leilehua Ranch. The lodge, nestled in the cooler uplands, served as a retreat for the king and a meeting place for Hawai’i’s influential figures. Today, Schofield Barracks stands as a symbol of this historic relationship.

During the ceremony, held at the King Kalākaua statue in Waikīkī, attendees adorned the statue with lei, shared heartfelt remarks, and performed traditional oli chants. Two kahu, including Kahu Kaleo Patterson from the Native Hawaiian Advisory Council, delivered inspiring pule (prayers), reflecting the profound respect for Kalākaua’s legacy.

“The Army’s presence here today demonstrates our commitment to honoring the rich history and culture of Hawai’i,” said Maj. Batule, who represented USAG Hawai’i.

Despite interruptions from a nearby fire call, the gathering embodied the spirit of aloha, celebrating a king who championed Hawai’i’s traditions and cultivated meaningful ties with the U.S. military.