Yes, King Kalākaua was related to Kamehameha I, but the relationship is somewhat indirect. Kalākaua was a descendant of the same royal lineage that Kamehameha I established. Kamehameha I, who united the Hawaiian Islands in the late 18th century, was the first ruler of the Kingdom of Hawaii. His legacy continued through his descendants, and Kalākaua, who became king in 1874, was part of this royal family tree.
To clarify, Kalākaua was a great-grandson of Kamehameha I’s cousin. While Kalākaua did not come from a direct line of Kamehameha, the connection demonstrates the intertwined nature of Hawaiian royalty during that era. The royal families often married within their ranks to maintain power and lineage, hence preserving the noble bloodlines.
This relationship is significant in understanding the political context of Hawaii’s history, as Kalākaua’s reign aimed to restore the sovereignty of Native Hawaiians, a mission that echoed the unifying efforts of Kamehameha I. Kalākaua is also known for embracing the Hawaiian culture and establishing traditions that would revive and celebrate the heritage initiated by Kamehameha.