Kamehameha Day

An unidentified man portraying Kamehameha I and court approaches Huliheʻe Palace on Kona's first Kamehameha Day, June 11, 1914.

An unidentified Hawaiian man portraying Kamehameha I, about to start the parade from Kaiakeakua Beach to Huliheʻe Palace on June 11, 1914, Kona's first King Kamehameha Day celebration.

Keith and Cynda Unger of McCandless Ranch, Kona Hema and Mikio Kato of Puuwaawaa Ranch, Kona Akau, escort the Pau Queen on June 11, 2012.

2012 King Kamehameha Day Parade Pa'u Queen, and Kona Historical Society Board Member Hannah Kihalani Springer.

By Dance Aoki, Kona Historical Society Executive Director

Today, we celebrate King Kamehameha Day and remember the festivities of years past.

King Kamehameha Day, June 11, was first proclaimed by Kamehameha V as a day to honor his grandfather, Kamehameha I. Most years, this honored aliʻi is celebrated with parades throughout the islands, featuring cultural traditions, hula and paʻu riders wearing beautiful, long skirts, and lei. This year's festivities were cancelled due to COVID-19.

Enjoy these photos from the Collections of Kona Historical Society!