Paying Homage to the King on King Kamehameha Day

Of all the Hawaiian holidays, perhaps none is more important on the Big Island than King Kamehameha Day, celebrated annually on June 11. It's a state holiday and many people enjoy a day off work and a long holiday weekend. 

King Kamehameha Day has big significance on the Big Island

Born in 1758 on the Big Island, King Kamehameha became Hawaii’s first king by uniting all the Hawaiian Islands in 1810 after a series of intense battles. His great grandson, King Kamehameha V, established Kamehameha Day as a national holiday in 1871 (at the time Hawaii was a sovereign nation).

Each island celebrated with large fairs and athletic races. Now an official state holiday, state and county offices, as well as many local businesses close in observance of the holiday.

King Kamehameha Day has special significance on the Big Island because King Kamehameha I grew up in North Kohala and his legacy can still be seen on island.

Just up the coast from Hualalai Resort stands the impressive Pu’ukohola heiau (religious temple) that Kamehameha built to the war god Ku. Now a national historic site and part of the National Park Service, legend has it that a kahuna (Hawaiian priest) prophesied that Kamehameha would rule all of Hawaii if he built the massive temple.

Legend has it that a kahuna (Hawaiian priest) prophesied that Kamehameha would rule all of Hawaii if he built the massive temple.

If you drive further up the Kohala Coast, you’ll find a statue of King Kamehameha in the center of the small North Hawaii town of Kapa’au. In past years, King Kamehameha Day festivities included draping 25-foot lei on the King Kamehameha Statue, a floral parade, and a festival.

Lei being draped on the King Kamehameha statue in Kapa'au.

Even without the usual holiday activities, it’s worth a day trip just to visit this quaint town with its artisan galleries and unique gift shops.

Hawaii’s rich cultural history is just one of the many reasons we are so #luckyweliveHawaii!