W.D. Alexander was appointed the first surveyor general of the Hawaiian kingdom in 1870 during the reign of King Kamehameha V. At the time this map was created, he was serving the administration of King Kalakua.

Alexander's father was also a missionary and surveyor, and he taught the profession from Lahainaluna Seminary on the island of Maui.

This historic map of Honolulu is significant because its depicts the city as it was in the year that Queen Liliuokalani was overthrown, bringing an end to the Hawaiian monarchy.