The $2 stamp (above left) prepays additional postage such as extra weight. It shows King Kamehameha III on a Kingdom of Hawai'i 5c postage stamp issued in 1853.

The $5 stamp (above middle) prepays the Overnight rate. It shows King Kamehameha III on a Kingdom of Hawai'i 13c postage stamp issued in 1853.

Kalani Kauikeaouli was born on August 11 1813, the son of King Kamehameha the Great and his highest ranking wife Keopuolani. King Kamehameha II died of measles in England on July 14 1825 while waiting to be seen by King George of England. The Hawaiian Chiefs met on June 6 1825 and chose Kalani Kauikeaouli to be the next King of Hawai'i, naming him King Kamehameha III. As he was only 11 years old at the time, Ka'ahumanu (one of King Kamehameha the Great's wives) was appointed as Regent. She was a very religious person, but the King rebelled against her strict upbringing by drinking, gambling and having female company.

When Ka'ahumanu died in 1832, the King at the age of 18 attempted to rule the Kingdom by himself, but the Chiefs appointed another Regent Kina'u, also a staunch Christian. The King continued his worldly pursuits. But upon the death of his sister in 1836, he changed his ways and gave up drinking.

In 1837, at the age of 24, King Kamehameha III married Kalama. Although not of high rank, the King thought Kalama would provide new blood and an heir. In 1840, he drew up a new Constitution. In 1843, the Hawaiian Islands came under British Sovereignty for about 5 months. But the Hawaiian flag was soon to fly again over the islands. In November of the same year, Britain and France recognized the independence of Hawai'i.

Under the "Great Mahele" of 1850, native Hawaiians were given fee-simple land by the King. This act was the death of the old feudal land system, whereby all the lands were owned by the King. On August 4th 1851, King Kamehameha III issued a royal decree authorizing the issuance of the first postage stamps of Hawai'i known as the "Missionaries".

In 1853, the King became ill and, without children and fearing the worst, he adopted Alexander Liholiho as his son and proclaimed him his successor. King Kamehameha III died on December 15 1854. His State Funeral was held on January 10 1855. The next day, Alexander Liholiho became King Kamehameha IV of Hawai'i.