He made Hawaii his new home

After getting well, Cartwright developed a passion for the islands. He started organizing neighborhood leagues and instructing the islanders how to play baseball. His efforts led to Honolulu's establishment of baseball long before it reached other towns like Detroit and Chicago.

Cartwright moved there after his Gold Rush adventure and invited his family to join him. His family, which included his wife Eliza, DeWitt, Mary, and Catherine, came in 1851. In Hawaii, he and Eliza welcomed two more boys, Bruce and Alexander III. Here, he established the Honolulu Fire Department and led the department for 10 years. Cartwright established a variety of enterprises, amassed riches, and rose to prominence in his community. He became Hawaii's counselor to King David and Queen Emma. He also held several government jobs and was instrumental in establishing the island's hospital and library systems. Additionally, he put a lot of effort into promoting women's access to libraries.