Birthplace of a King: Why King Kamehameha Day is So Special on Hawaii Island

Nowhere in Hawaii is King Kamehameha Day, celebrated annually on June 11, more deeply felt than right here on Hawaii Island.

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 particular 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. Legend has it that a kahuna (Hawaiian priest) prophesied that Kamehameha would rule all of Hawaii if he built the massive temple, which is now a national historic site and part of the National Park Service.

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. King Kamehameha Day festivities include draping 25-foot lei on the King Kamehameha Statue, a floral parade, and a festival.

Considered the birthplace of the King, it’s worth a day trip to North Kohala to see the spectacular scenery and it is not to be missed when the parade takes place!

It’s wonderful and rich cultural events such as these that make people say, “Lucky we live Hawaii!” What’s more, when you live in Hualalai Resort, enjoying these events are just a short drive up or down the coast.??

?King Kamehameha Day Celebration June 11 in Kapa’au

The North Kohala Kamehameha Day Celebration is held annually on June 11, the day officially celebrated as King Kamehameha Day and always draws a large crowd. Watching this parade and enjoying the activities in this quaint town is truly one of the wonderful aspects of living in Hawaii.

Festivities include draping 25-foot lei on the King Kamehameha Statue in Kapa’au, a floral parade complete with pa’u riders, and a festival. The parade starts at 9 am at the intersection of Ho'ea Road and?Akoni Pule Highway in Hawi and proceeds along Akoni Pule Highway to the King Kamehameha statue in Kapa’au where every parade entry presents ho’okupu (ceremonial gifts) in honor of King Kamehameha I. The parade then continues on to Kamehameha Park where a festival (ho’olaulea) starts at 11 a.m.

Lucky we live Hawaii!