June 11th is King Kamehameha Day in Hawai’i. King Kamehameha Day is a public holiday in the state of Hawaii. It honors King Kamehameha the Great, who was the monarch who first established a unified Kingdom of Hawai’i. This Kingdom comprised the islands of Ni’ihau, Kaua’i, O’ahu, Moloka’i, Lana’i, Maui, Kaho’olawe, and Hawai’i.

The holiday was first established by Kamehameha V, the ruling great grandson of King Kamehameha the Great, in 1871. The first holiday was observed the following year, 1872. Late 19th century celebrations of Kamehameha Day featured carnivals, fairs, foot races, and horse races. Kamehameha Day was one of the first holidays proclaimed by the Governor of Hawai’i and the Hawai’i State Legislature when Hawai’i became a state in 1959.

Today, Kamehameha Day consists of elaborate events respectful of cultural Hawaiian traditions. The King Kamehameha Hula Competition attracts hula groups from all over the world for a two day event at the Blaisdell Center. A flora parade is held from ‘Iolani Palace ending in Kapi’olani Park.

The most important event dates back to 1901 after the Territory of Hawai’i was created. It is the evening draping ceremony in which the Kamehameha Statue in front of Ali’iolani Hale is draped with long strands of lei.

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