King Kamehameha Day
#King_Kamehameha_Day
#11th_June_2025
King Kamehameha Day is a public holiday in the U.S. state of Hawai‘i, celebrated annually on June 11. It honors King Kamehameha I, the monarch who united the Hawaiian Islands into one kingdom in 1810.
Quick Facts
Feature Details
Name King Kamehameha Day
Date June 11 (every year)
First celebrated 1872
Official holiday Since 1871 (declared by King Kamehameha V)
Observed in State of Hawai‘i
#AlohaState
Who was King Kamehameha I?
• Lifespan: c. 1758 – 1819
• Legacy: United the Hawaiian Islands through diplomacy and warfare, establishing the Kingdom of Hawai‘i in 1810.
• Known for the Law of the Splintered Paddle (Kānāwai Māmalahoe)—a humanitarian law protecting civilians during war.
• Revered as a strategic leader, warrior, and nation-builder.
How It’s Celebrated
1. Lei Draping Ceremony
• A grand tradition where 30-foot-long floral leis are draped on King Kamehameha statues.
• The most famous ceremony takes place at the Aliʻiōlani Hale statue in downtown Honolulu.
2. Floral Parade
• Takes place in Honolulu and other islands like the Big Island, Maui, and Moloka‘i.
• Features:
• Pā‘ū riders (elegantly dressed female horse riders)
• Floats adorned with flowers
• Marching bands and hula dancers
3. Hōʻolaule‘a (Block Party)
• Community festivals with:
• Traditional Hawaiian music
• Hula performances
• Local food vendors
• Cultural exhibits
Locations of Major Statues
There are several statues of King Kamehameha where lei draping ceremonies occur:
1. Honolulu, O‘ahu (in front of Aliʻiōlani Hale)
2. Kapa‘au, Hawai‘i Island (his birthplace)
3. Hilo, Hawai‘i Island
4. U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. (gifted by Hawai‘i in 1969)
Why It Matters
King Kamehameha Day is one of only a few U.S. state holidays honoring a native royal figure, and reflects Hawaiian cultural pride and historical memory. It represents:
• The resilience of Hawaiian identity
• Celebration of indigenous leadership
• Preservation of local traditions and arts
2025 Events Snapshot (O‘ahu)
Date Event Location
June 11 Lei Draping Ceremony Ali‘iōlani Hale, Honolulu
June 14 Floral Parade Downtown to Kapi‘olani Park
June 14 Hoʻolaule‘a Festival Kapi‘olani Park, Waikīkī
Would you like:
• Travel tips for attending the festival?
• Cultural background on hula and pā‘ū riders?
• Info about the Bharatiya Kamehameha-equivalent (if you’re comparing leaders)?
Let me know how you’d like to explore this further!
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#Kona
#Ohau
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