Honor the King in his North Kohala birthplace: June 11, 2015
Every June 11th, thousands of people gather on the northern tip of the Big Island of Hawaii to honor Kamehameha I, the chief who united the Hawaiian Islands in 1795.
Kamehameha Day is recognized as a state holiday throughout Hawai’i, but North Kohala is a very special place to celebrate. Kamehameha I was born in North Kohala, where residents played a prominent role in saving his life as an infant.
Kamehameha Day is recognized as a state holiday throughout Hawai’i, but North Kohala is a very special place to celebrate. Kamehameha I was born in North Kohala, where residents played a prominent role in saving his life as an infant.
Small towns, big celebration
Hula Dancers 2013
Although North Kohala is a small community, each year on June 11th it puts forth a large grassroots effort to present a full day of celebration and tribute to King Kamehameha I. Visitors are welcomed to the North Kohala towns of Hawi and Kapa’au on Thursday, June 11, 2015 to take part in this unique local event. All events are free.
Traditional floral parade 9:00-10:30 AM: Watch a traditional pa’u parade with horses and riders adorned in flowers and colors to represent each Hawaiian Island. At 9:00 AM the road closes while honorees, hula dancers, Pa’u riders and floral floats make their way from Hawi to the statue and Kamehameha Park in Kapa’au.
Original statue draped in flowers 7:45-9:00 AM. See the original statue of King Kamehameha I in all its holiday glory. The statue in Kapa’au is decorated with many 25-foot-long floral lei created in tribute to the King. Lei draping
ceremonies start with an opening blessing, followed by hula, history, and music.Traditional floral parade 9:00-10:30 AM: Watch a traditional pa’u parade with horses and riders adorned in flowers and colors to represent each Hawaiian Island. At 9:00 AM the road closes while honorees, hula dancers, Pa’u riders and floral floats make their way from Hawi to the statue and Kamehameha Park in Kapa’au.
Music, Crafts, Food in the park 10:00 AM-4:00 PM: Enjoy
Ho’olaule’a activities at Kamehameha Park in Kapa’au, where you can eat local food, see masters create traditional arts and craafts, watch beautiful hula dancers and listen to award-winning Hawaiian musicians.A trip to this historic area on King Kamehameha Day is sure to be a highlight of a trip to the Islands. While in North Kohala, visitors can take in the natural beauty of ocean cliffs and ranchland, visit breathtaking Pololu Valley, and browse the area’s many shops, restaurants, and galleries. Bring a camera.
Kamehameha Day in North Kohala: All-day festivities, all events free, always on June 11th.