King Kamehameha Day
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June 11
King Kamehameha Day
Honor King Kamehameha Day with a celebration of Hawaiian culture! Enjoy traditional music, hula dancing, and delicious local cuisine.
Introduction
Celebrate the legacy of King Kamehameha on June 11 with King Kamehameha Day! This special holiday honors the memory of the great Hawaiian ruler who unified the Hawaiian Islands in 1810 and established a powerful kingdom. It has been celebrated since 1871, when it was declared a public holiday by King Kalākaua. With its long history, this day is filled with fun traditions and activities that honor the life and achievements of one of Hawaii's most beloved rulers. So grab your lei and join in on all the festivities for an unforgettable celebration!
King Kamehameha Day Timeline
1810
King Kamehameha Unifies Hawaii
King Kamehameha the Great successfully unified the Hawaiian Islands into one royal kingdom in 1810 after years of conflict.
1871
First King Kamehameha Day
King Kalākaua declared June 11 as a holiday to honor Kamehameha the Great, the first King Kamehameha Day takes place.
1883
Kamehameha Statue Unveiled
The iconic King Kamehameha Statue is unveiled in Honolulu on King Kamehameha Day, becoming a symbol of the holiday.
1978
First Held Floral Parade
The first floral parade is held on King Kamehameha Day, a tradition involving a procession of floats adorned with native Hawaiian flowers.
2019
Recognition Beyond Hawaii
King Kamehameha Day starts to gain recognition outside of Hawaii with celebrations occurring in parts of mainland United States.
How to Celebrate King Kamehameha Day
1
Research King Kamehameha
Take some time to read and learn about King Kamehameha, the founder of the Kingdom of Hawaii. Read about his life, his accomplishments, and his influence on Hawaiian culture.
2
Visit a museum
There are various museums across Hawaii that feature exhibits about King Kamehameha. Visit one of these museums to get an up-close look at the history and legacy of this great king.
3
Watch a movie or documentary
Celebrate King Kamehameha Day by watching a movie or documentary about him. This is a great way to learn more about him and his impact on Hawaiian history.
4
Attend a parade
Across Hawaii, there are parades held to commemorate the life and legacy of King Kamehameha. Attend one of these parades and join in the celebration.
5
Make a traditional dish
Cooking is a great way to celebrate any holiday, so why not make a traditional Hawaiian dish for King Kamehameha Day? Try out local favorites like Kalua pork or poi for a unique culinary experience.
Why King Kamehameha Day is Important
A
It honors King Kamehameha I
King Kamehameha Day is an important holiday that honors the first king of the Kingdom of Hawaii. On this day, we celebrate his legacy and the importance of uniting the Hawaiian Islands into a single kingdom - something that would have been impossible without his leadership and strong sense of justice.
B
It celebrates Hawaiian culture & history
Kamehameha Day is not just a celebration of one man; it's also a celebration of Hawaiian culture and history. It serves as a reminder to all of us to respect our past, our traditions, and pay tribute to those who worked hard to make Hawaii what it is today.
C
It brings people together
King Kamehameha Day is also a great opportunity for people from all backgrounds and beliefs to come together and celebrate the spirit of aloha. There are parades, parties and other festivities that bring everyone together in honor of the king and in appreciation for the wonderful life he provided for us all!
King Kamehameha Day Dates
Year
Date
Day
2023
Jun 11
Sunday
2024
Jun 11
Tuesday
2025
Jun 11
Wednesday
2026
Jun 11
Thursday
2027
Jun 11
Friday