So I have a hire comingup. I am within the first 36 hours of the game. I hired a hypnotist in my second hire because I want the king. My new list of hires includes a navigator. On this round, should I promote the King and risk losing an opportunity to get an admiral or do I get the navigator and wait to promote my king until my next hire?

You don't need a king that early in the game. Go for the navi.

Oh no! Asking whether the king or admiral is better will certainly cause a forum civil war.
That's kind of a controversial issue...

But in your context, I should be able to help you out a bit. This early in the game, promoting a king can be like shooting yourself in the foot. In certain games that I have been in, people will purposefully target someone who promotes a king to stop him before he becomes a threat, and you probably don't have the driller power to stop a 2v1 or a 3v1 yet.

Unless there is a specific reason or situation that you need the king, I would say wait and get your navigator. Save your king hire for when it will best benefit you.

Very good insight. Thanks all

Besides,Kings are most fun when promoted just before your attack sub arrives. Makes the opponent think they will win the battle so they don't focus on it as much.