orig. Alexander Liholiho
born Feb. 9, 1834, Ewa, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands
died Nov. 30, 1863, Honolulu, Oahu
Hawaiian ruler (1855–63).
Adopted as a child by his uncle, Kamehameha III (1813–54), he was educated by Protestant missionaries. As king, he sought to curb the power of the U.S. missionaries. He expanded trade with other countries and, to offset U.S. influence, invited the Church of England to establish itself in the islands. A popular and benevolent ruler, he improved harbours to accommodate Hawaii's growing whaling industry and provided free medical care for Hawaiians. He resolutely opposed the annexation of Hawaii by the U.S.
Kamehameha IV, c. 1862–1863.
Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, Honolulu; photograph H.L. Chase