Big Island to Celebrate King Kamehameha Day

In 1810, one man did what no other could. King Kamehameha I united all the islands under his rule and became Hawaii’s most powerful leader.

However, everyone begins from a vulnerable and dependent state.

As a babe, it is believed that the residents of his birthplace in North Kohala were integral in Kamehameha’s survival as an infant.

King Kamehameha I Day, a state and county holiday, will celebrate Hawaii’s premier monarch on Tuesday, June 10.

In North Kohala, honor and celebrate the king with dance, music and merry-making.

Festivities begin at 7:45 a.m., when King Kamehameha’s statue is decorated with a 25-foot lei. The statue is located above the Akoni Pule Highway on the lawn of the Kohala Senior Civic Center in Kapa’au.

What follows is a beautiful pa`u parade with horses and riders in their regalia, representing each ot the main Hawaiian islands,  through the town. Riders start off from the intersection of Ho’ea Road and Akoni Pule Highway at 9 a.m.

Then at Kamehameha Park from 10 a.m., enjoy food, music and more until 4 p.m. Award-winning musicians will play throughout the day, and artisans will share their knowledge of traditional arts and crafts through engaging demonstrations.

This event is free and open to all. For more information visit www.kamehamehadaycelebration.org.

In Hilo, festivities are held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Mokuola, also known as Coconut Island.

The festival includes traditional Hawaiian music and dance, a seashell-blowing contest, food and “Made in Hawaii” art and craft vendors.

Sponsored by Mamalahoa, the East Hawaii chapter of the Royal Order of Kamehameha, the event is open to the public and is a drug-, alcohol- and tobacco-free event.

For information visit KamehamehaFestival.org.

The celebrations shift to Kailua-Kona on Saturday, June 15, for the annual King Kamehameha Day Celebration Parade.

Beginning at 9 a.m. near the Royal Kona Resort, the parade travels down Ali`i Drive to the pier and then up Palani Road to Kuakini Highway.

It will include pa`u riders, hula halau, equestrian units, marching bands and more.

A ho`olaue`a will follow at the courtyard of King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel to include a free concert by Nathan Kawai Aweau, three-time Na Hoku Hanohano male vocalist of the year.

For information visit http://konaparade.org/.