King David Kalākaua (1836-1891) had a residence here, in Uluniu, as this area was called in the 1800s. It was a two-story, wooden-frame structure, situated in a grove of towering, very old niu (coconut) trees. The house was big enough for hosting large parties, which he was fond of giving. A man of eclectic and cosmopolitan interests and tastes, he enjoyed the hula - in fact, he revived the hula tradition - but he also enjoyed the waltz. A guest at one of his parties wrote, the house was "decorated gaily and with an excellent floor for dancing... After we had a feasted and dances... [we] witnessed the native dance called 'The Hoolah'..." Everyone recognized the King’s enormous talent for entertaining, as well as his equally enormous capacity for alcohol. He was known as the "Merry Monarch."

King Kalākaua took a trip around the world and visited Japan where he tried - unsuccessfully - to betroth the Princess Kaʻiulani to a Japanese Prince. He visited Europe where he was well received. His visit to Washington, D.C. contributed to the passage of Reciprocity Treaty. He accomplished much for his nation.

He left his estate to Queen Kapiʻolani, who in turn bequeathed her properties to the support of the Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women and Children.