Hawaii’s King Kamehameha Day
Every June 11, Hawai‘i pays tribute to a fearless leader who unified the Hawaiian islands after years of conflict - King Kamehameha.
King Kamehameha Day is a big day of celebration in the islands, with 30 feet long leis, 15 foot statues, floral arrangements and hulas paraded on the day. So what is it and why does Hawai’i honour this day so extravagantly?
A bit of a backstory - when a comet streaked across the sky fulfilling an ancient prophecy that the child born under this phenomenon would one day rise up as ruler, Kamehameha the Great King was born and prophesied to unite the Hawaiian Islands.
Hidden away most of his childhood for safety, he eventually grew up to fulfil his destiny and went on to battle the opposing leader - Kamehameha emerged victorious. Taking over most of the surrounding territories as well, he eventually succeeded in becoming King of all the Hawaiian islands. Demonstrating strength and intelligence as he united the island kingdom from what were once warring tribes, he is a legend in Hawaiian history.
King Kamehameha Day has since been one of the first holidays adopted by Hawaiʻi when it achieved statehood in 1959 and has evolved into a celebration of elaborate events - grand floats, flower decorations, and local marching bands in parades.
Every June 11, Hawaiʻi lifts up Kamehameha in great reverence for his tireless work as a noble leader - the 15 foot statue of Kamehameha titled ‘The Conqueror’ and the other four statues located in Hawaii, Oahu, Maui, and Washington D.C., are all adorned with flower leis (strings of flowers are stitched by volunteers and the members of the royal societies).
The Festival celebrates traditional Hawaiian dance, music, chant, practices, arts and crafts, and food, that are enjoyed by thousands of island residents and visitors from around the world. A magnificent display of Hawaiian culture for all, and with its dazzling pageantry and colourful displays, it is truly a sight to see.
It is no secret that the culture of Native Hawai’i has experienced a dramatic decline since its discovery by Western explorers. This shift in Hawaiian culture has occurred as the demographics of the Hawaiian ancestral land has changed, which has led to a loss of identity and culture. The majority of cultural practices that were once common for every Native Hawaiian (sea navigation, fishing, family dynamics, land usage, and religious musical expression such as hula, chanting, singing, etc.) have been overcome by Western influence.
Despite the Hawaiian cultural practices coming out of the shadows in more recent times, Hawaiian culture is still dwarfed by Western influence. This struggle for Hawaiian cultural survival affects Native Hawaiians today in social, physical and emotional ways.
This gives King Kamehameha Day another layer of importance as it serves as a reminder to the public that we need to protect, preserve, and perpetuate Native Hawaiian culture. A day to not only celebrate a good leader, but bring to light a grand celebration of this beautiful culture that should be revered and uplifted.
King Kamehameha Day is overall a day to honour Kamehameha I for providing a strong kahua (foundation) for his nation and for being an anchor of hope, exemplifying aloha ʻāina – to have love for one’s people and land.