June 11 of each year was designated a public holiday by Royal Proclamation on December 22, 1871 issued by
Kamehameha V to honor the memory of his grandfather, Kamehameha the Great.
Kamehameha's rise to power was predicted prior to his birth as the prophecies told of the birth of a male who would vanquish all the chiefs to become the greatest chief of all Hawai`i. His birth was therefore, one of secrecy and his childhood would be spent in seclusion with foster parents who would train him in the skills of warfare, and prepare him for his role in the destiny of Hawai‘i.
In 1939 a Territorial Legislature established the Kamehameha Day Celebration Commission to plan and implement an annual statewide celebration to honor the life and accomplishments of King Kamehameha I. In 1974, the name was changed to King Kamehameha Celebration Commission.
The statue of King Kamehameha is draped in fresh flower lei, measuring 13 feet in length as the first in a series of activities throughout the month long celebration. An annual floral parade commences from downtown Honolulu to Queen Kapi‘olani Park via King Street, Punchbowl Street, Ala Moana Boulevard onto Kalākaua Avenue spanning over 4 miles. Similar events are held on five major islands, with the largest being held on O‘ahu.
At Queen Kapi‘olani Park, Na Hana No‘eau O Ka Pakipika translated to mean Artistic Endeavors of the Pacific featuring food booths, traditional arts and crafts demonstrations, implements, and demonstrations of Polynesia.
An international hula competition is held at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Arena two weeks after the statue lei draping and floral parade. Hula Hālau compete in both traditional and contemporary hula styles. Individual chant, male, female and combined entrants and Kupuna Wahine ‘auana divisions compete in their two day event. On the second day, following the completion of competition is the presentation of awards with a "Special Order of Distinction"
All events with the exception of the hula competition are provided at no cost to both residents and visitors.
No one really knows why June 11 was selected by King Kamehameha V to establish a memorial day to honor the life and deeds of his grandfather, but what ever the reasoning, it is the sole purpose of the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission to honor his memory with dignity and respect.
This is the only Ali‘i holiday to be continuously observed since its inception.
Kamehameha's rise to power was predicted prior to his birth as the prophecies told of the birth of a male who would vanquish all the chiefs to become the greatest chief of all Hawai`i. His birth was therefore, one of secrecy and his childhood would be spent in seclusion with foster parents who would train him in the skills of warfare, and prepare him for his role in the destiny of Hawai‘i.
In 1939 a Territorial Legislature established the Kamehameha Day Celebration Commission to plan and implement an annual statewide celebration to honor the life and accomplishments of King Kamehameha I. In 1974, the name was changed to King Kamehameha Celebration Commission.
The statue of King Kamehameha is draped in fresh flower lei, measuring 13 feet in length as the first in a series of activities throughout the month long celebration. An annual floral parade commences from downtown Honolulu to Queen Kapi‘olani Park via King Street, Punchbowl Street, Ala Moana Boulevard onto Kalākaua Avenue spanning over 4 miles. Similar events are held on five major islands, with the largest being held on O‘ahu.
At Queen Kapi‘olani Park, Na Hana No‘eau O Ka Pakipika translated to mean Artistic Endeavors of the Pacific featuring food booths, traditional arts and crafts demonstrations, implements, and demonstrations of Polynesia.
An international hula competition is held at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Arena two weeks after the statue lei draping and floral parade. Hula Hālau compete in both traditional and contemporary hula styles. Individual chant, male, female and combined entrants and Kupuna Wahine ‘auana divisions compete in their two day event. On the second day, following the completion of competition is the presentation of awards with a "Special Order of Distinction"
All events with the exception of the hula competition are provided at no cost to both residents and visitors.
No one really knows why June 11 was selected by King Kamehameha V to establish a memorial day to honor the life and deeds of his grandfather, but what ever the reasoning, it is the sole purpose of the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission to honor his memory with dignity and respect.
This is the only Ali‘i holiday to be continuously observed since its inception.
Organized by the
King Kamehameha Celebration Commission
355 North King Street
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96817
Telephone: (808) 586-0333
Fax: (808) 586-0335
Website: CLICK HERE
