Who was the last king of Hawaii before its annexation?

The last king of Hawaii before its annexation was King David Kalākaua. He reigned from 1874 until his death in 1891 and was a significant figure in Hawaiian history. Kalākaua aimed to restore the monarchy's power and promote Hawaiian culture and traditions during a time when the islands faced increasing foreign influence, particularly from the United States. His reign saw important developments in the realm of Hawaiian nationalism and culture, which were crucial leading up to the eventual annexation of Hawaii in 1898.

Additionally, Kalākaua's rule faced various challenges, including conflicts with foreign powers and the influence of American and European interests in Hawaiian affairs. His efforts to strengthen the monarchy and maintain independence were notable, but ultimately, his death marked the beginning of a transition that led to his sister, Liliʻuokalani, becoming the last monarch of Hawaii before the islands were annexed, highlighting the decline of the Hawaiian monarchy and its sovereignty during that period.