Kamehameha Day

Kamehameha Day
Mark Miller · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Kamehameha Day
Caption	Statue of Kamehameha I in Honolulu, originally commissioned by Kingdom of Hawaii
Observedby	Hawaii
Date	June 11
Scheduling	same day each year
Frequency	Annual
Significance	Commemoration of the birth and achievements of Kamehameha I

Kamehameha Day is a public holiday in Hawaii commemorating the life and legacy of Kamehameha I, the monarch who unified the Hawaiian Islands. Established in the late 19th century during the reign of King Kalākaua, the holiday has persisted through the Republic of Hawaii, the Territory of Hawaii, and statehood within the United States. Celebrations combine royal memorials, floral lei traditions, cultural pageantry, and civic ceremonies centered in locations such as Honolulu and Hilo.

History

Kamehameha Day traces its origins to proclamations and legislative acts involving figures like King Kalākaua, Queen Liliʻuokalani, and the Hawaiian Kingdom legislature, reflecting interactions among institutions including the Hawaiian Legislature, Aliʻi nui leadership, and missionaries such as Hiram Bingham I. The holiday was formalized after petitions from descendants of chiefs associated with Kamehameha I and allies from islands like Hawaii (island), Maui, Oʻahu, and Kauaʻi. Royal commemorations drew dignitaries from sites including Iolani Palace, Huliheʻe Palace, and the Bishop Museum, while international observers from London, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco noted processions and floral offerings. During the Overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii and ensuing Republic of Hawaii, Kamehameha Day celebrations adapted to changing political authorities such as the Provisional Government of Hawaii and figures like Sanford B. Dole. After annexation under the Newlands Resolution and during the Territory of Hawaii era, civic groups including the Daughters of Hawaii and the Royal Order of Kamehameha I continued pageants and memorial rites. With statehood in 1959, institutions such as the Hawaii State Legislature and Governor of Hawaii affirmed Kamehameha Day as a state holiday, integrating commemorations with organizations like the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority and cultural centers such as the Papahana Kuaola.

Observance and Traditions

Observances center on practices maintained by entities like the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, the Hawaiian Civic Club, and hālau associated with kumu such as Pualani Kanahele and organizations including the Kamehameha Schools. Traditions involve lei exchanges at sites including Aliʻiolani Hale and statues in Kapaʻau and Waimea, hula performances staged by troupes connected to Halau Hula Ka Lei Mokihana o Leina‘ala and Royal Hawaiian Band, and chant (oli) renditions by chanters linked to schools like University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Civic parades include marching units from Honolulu Police Department, U.S. Coast Guard detachments, and veterans from organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Riders. Floral competitions and lei artistry engage artisans associated with institutions like Bishop Museum and markets in neighborhoods such as Kakaʻako, Downtown Honolulu, and Hilo Bayfront. Vendors and artisans from markets tied to Mānoa and Kīhei present crafts influenced by historic contacts with explorers like James Cook and settlers linked to Mission Houses Museum collections.

Cultural Significance

Kamehameha Day functions as a focal point for remembrance of figures and events including Kamehameha I’s campaigns against rival chiefs like those from Hawaiʻi Island and alliances involving chiefs from Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi. The holiday highlights material culture preserved at institutions such as the Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace artifacts, and oral histories held by families connected to aliʻi lines like the Kekaulike and Kameʻeiamoku genealogies. Scholarly attention from academics at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, authors like Samuel Kamakau and David Malo, and curators at Hawai‘i State Archives frames interpretations alongside comparative studies referencing figures such as King Kalākaua and explorers like George Vancouver. Cultural revival movements including the Second Hawaiian Renaissance and organizations like the Hawaiian Civic Club use the holiday to promote language revitalization efforts anchored by groups like ʻAha Pūnana Leo and performance ensembles such as Nā Hōkū Hanohano nominees. Performance arts tie to composers and chanters associated with historic mele by figures like Queen Liliʻuokalani and practitioners of kapa and featherwork represented in collections from Bernice Pauahi Bishop.

Public Ceremonies and Parades

Public ceremonies occur at landmarks like the statue in Aliʻiolani Hale, the Honolulu Hale steps, and the Waimea monument, and draw participants ranging from the Royal Order of Kamehameha I to representatives of diplomatic missions such as consulates from Japan, Philippines, and New Zealand. Parade rosters often include bands from Kamehameha Schools, Punahou School, Saint Louis School (Honolulu), and Iolani School, along with veterans groups like Disabled American Veterans and Marine Corps League detachments. Floats feature imagery curated by museums like Bishop Museum and community groups from districts including Kalihi, Kahaluʻu, and Waikīkī, while marine units stage ceremonies near Pearl Harbor, Ala Moana Beach Park, and Hilo Bay with participation by the U.S. Navy and Hawaii National Guard in past commemorations. Judges for lei and hula competitions have included cultural practitioners recognized by awards like the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards and academic panels from University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

Legal Status and Holiday Dates

Kamehameha Day is codified in statutes adopted by bodies such as the Hawaii State Legislature and proclaimed by the Governor of Hawaii as a legal holiday observed on June 11 each year, with administrative coordination by offices including the Hawaii State Department of Accounting and General Services and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. When June 11 falls on a weekend, scheduling practices similar to other state observances administered by the Hawaii State Office of Elections and state agencies determine closures for public offices including courts of the Hawaii State Judiciary. Historical adjustments to observance and paid holiday status were debated during legislative sessions involving lawmakers from districts like Honolulu, Maui, and Hawai‘i County and recorded in archives held by the Hawai‘i State Archives and the Library of Congress collections.

Category:Holidays in Hawaii