To Commemorate Kamehameha Day

Kamehameha I, Kamehameha the Great
Kamehameha was born as Pai'ea to Keoua and Keku'iapoiwa, ali'i (chiefly; noble rank) of Kohala on the island of Hawai'i. There is some debate as to the precise year of his birth, between 1753 - 1758. When Kamehameha was born rival chief Alapa'inuiakauaua ordered the child be killed. Keoua and Keku'iapoiwa sent Pai'ea on a dangerous journey with Ali'i Nae'ole through Pololu Valley to the 'Awini mountains in Kohala. As a child he was kept hidden, which is how he took the name Kamehameha which translates to "The Lonely One." Years later and remorseful of his actions Alapa'inuiakauaua invited Kamehameha back to live with his family.

enlarge photo

When Alapa'inuiakauaua died, his position was succeeded by his son Keawea'opala. Kamehameha's uncle named Kalani'opu'u who was also the great-nephew of Alapa'inuiakauaua and nephew of Keawea'opala challenged his rule. As a young man, Kamehameha supported Kalani'opu'u in a fierce battle at Kealakekua Bay. Keawea'opala was slain and Kalani'opu'u claimed victory. For his loyal service to his uncle, Kamehameha was made Kalani'opu'u's aide.

Upon Kalani'opu'u's death kingship of Kohala was inherited by son Kiwala'o, Kamehameha's cousin. Kamehameha was given a prominent religious position, guardianship of the Hawaiian god of war, Kuka'ilimoku, as well as the district of Waipi'o. Animosity between the cousins started when a group of chiefs from Kona offered Kamehameha the kingship instead of Kiwala'o. Soon after, Kiwala'o was defeated in a battle and Kamehameha took control of the districts of Kohala, Kona, and Hamakua. Kamehameha quickly took control over Puna, Ka'u and the rest of Hawaii's east side. He then conquered the neighboring islands, uniting all under one rule.

King Kamehameha Statues
There are four commissioned statues of King Kamehameha The Great. The Kamehameha Statue which stands in front of Ali'iolani Hale in Honolulu, Hawai'i is a replica of the original which was lost at sea near South America. The original statue was eventually recovered and sent to the king's birthplace of Kapa'au in Kohala, on the island of Hawai'i. A third statue was commissioned when Hawai'i attained statehood and stands in the United States Capitol. The fourth statue stands in Hilo at the Wailoa State Recreation area overlooking Hilo Bay.

click to view large version

Kamehameha Day Holiday Celebration & Festivities

Adorned with Lei's

Kamehameha Day on June 11 is a public holiday of the state of Hawai'i. Every year on the holiday all four statues are ceremoniously draped in fresh leis fashioned in Hawai'i. Floral parades and holiday festivities are held on each of the Hawaiian Islands. The event is celebrated with traditional hula performances in Washington D.C. at the United States Capitol. Kamehameha Day is the only public holiday in the United States that honors a monarch.

Comments (2)