His name was David Kalakaua, and he was the last king of the Hawaiian Islands. His coronation ceremony was held in a specially constructed pavilion on the grounds of Iolani Palace in Honolulu on a bright and sunny February 12, 1883. The colorful scene included traditions of European monarchy witnessed by Kalakaua on his world travels: the king in a resplendent white uniform and helmet with feather plumes, Queen Kapiolani in a long red velvet gown, crowns fashioned of small golden taro leaves encrusted with jewels. But Kalakaua's coronation remained Hawaiian at heart, when proud and graceful dancers stepped forward to begin the hula nemanema, hula olepelepe and hula Palani pa'i umauma. King David Kalakaua's long reign of seventeen years was marked by a joyful resurgence in Hawaiian culture, including some of the very first public performances of Hula in defiance of oppressive missionary rules. Because of his enthusiastic patronage of music and dance, Kalakaua earned a special nickname. One hundred and sixteen years later, Hawaii - and the world - celebrates the memory of the "Merrie Monarch" at the prestigious hula competition which bears his name.