Photo also on Hawaii State Archives digital collection, call number: PP-97-9-002, dated 1865 and photographed by C.L Weed, not H.L Chase like our copy.
Lot Kapuaiwa Kalanikupuapaikalaninui Kalanimakua Ali‘iolani was born on December 11, 1830 to High Chiefess Kaho‘anoku Kina‘u, a daughter of Kamehameha, and High Chief Mataio Kekuanao‘a, a descendent of the Chiefs of Oahu. Prince Lot was the last direct descendant of Kamehameha to rule the Hawaiian kingdom.
Following the death of his brother Kamehameha IV in 1863 Prince Lot was proclaimed King of Hawai‘i (Kamehameha V) just shy of his 33rd birthday. Kamehameha V believed in his mana (spiritual power and authority) and right to lead the Hawaiian people personally with a stronger monarchy. When Kamehameha V took the throne he did not bother with a public inauguration and refused to take an oath to uphold the 1852 constitution which he regarded as contrary to the best interest of his people. In May of 1864 he called for a constitutional convention of elected delegates for the purpose of creating a new constitution. When the delegates became deadlocked after weeks of discussion, Kamehameha V simply announced that the Constitution of 1852 was abrogated and that he would provide the Kingdom with a new constitution. By this coup Kamehameha V broke the Legislature’s grip on power and restored to the Crown much of the power and authority Kamehameha III had relinquished with the Constitution of 1852.
During his rule the hospital at Kalaupapa, Moloka‘i was established to deal with the leprosy epidemic. Kamehameha V is also credited with preserving the hula tradition which was in disfavor at the time due to moralistic attitudes.
Kamehameha V died on December 11, 1872 at the age of forty-two.
On January 16, 1893 the Hawaiian Kingdom was invaded by United States marines which led to the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian government the following day.
