Upon the death of King Kamehameha V on December 11, 1872 there was no direct heir to the throne. Prince Lunalilo requested that the people be allowed to vote for a new monarch. The people and the Hawaii Legislature selected Prince William Lunalilo, a descendant of a half brother of Kamehameha I, to be the new king. King Lunalilo, the people's King, died a year later of "consumption" and at his request he was buried on the grounds of Kawaihao Church rather than at the Royal Mausoleum.

People visiting Kawaihao Church often drape garlands and flowers on the mausoleum gates in honor of the people's King.