Next Thursday, June 11, is Kamehameha Day, which was first established in 1871 to honor Kamehameha the Great, who united the Hawaiian Islands in 1810 and became Hawaii’s first king.
Festivities locally begin at 7:45 with the original statue of King Kamehameha I being draped in 25-foot flower lei.
At 9 a.m., a traditional floral parade featuring hula dancers, pa’u riders and floral floats will flow on Akoni Pule Highway from Hawi to the statue and Kamehameha Park in Kapaau. The Highway will be closed to regular traffic during this time.
Festivities continue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kamehameha Park where a Ho’olaule’a will be held. The event will feature crafts, music and food.
Maintaining the statue of the King and preparing for the Kamehameha Day Celebration is a labor of love for North Kohala residents.
For more information: http://www.kamehamehadaycelebration.org/