To conventionality by occasionally retiring to an
undignified residence on the sea-shore, where he transformed himself
into the likeness of one of his half-clad heathen ancestors, debased
himself by whisky, and revelled in the hula-hula. He is said also
to have been so far under the empire of the old superstitions, as to
consult an ancient witch on affairs of importance.
He died amidst the rejoicings incident to his birthday, and on the
next day "lay in state in the throne-room of the palace, while his
ministers, his staff, and the chiefs of the realm kept watch over
him, and sombre kahilis waving at his head, beat a rude and silent
dead-march for the crowds of people, subjects and aliens, who
continuously filed through the apartment, for a curious farewell
glance at the last of the Kamehamehas."
His death closed the first era of Hawaiian history, and the orderly
succession of one recognised dynasty. No successor to the throne
had been proclaimed, and the king left no nearer kin than the
Princess Keelikolani, his half-sister, a lady not in the line of
regal descent.
Under these novel circumstances, it devolved upon the Legislative
Assembly to elect by ballot "some native Alii of the kingdom as
successor to the throne." The candidates were the High Chief
Kalakaua, the present King, and Prince Lunalilo, the late King, but
the "Well-Beloved," as Lunalilo was called, was elected unanimously,
amidst an outburst of popular enthusiasm.
