Kamehameha Day was first proclaimed by Kamehameha V as a day
to honor his grandfather, Kamehameha I.
I was curious about why June 11 was selected as the day to
celebrate King Kamehameha I; I could not see the reason for the date.
Sometimes celebrations are based on the individual’s birthday … It is
not clear what year, much less what day Kamehameha was born, so it probably
didn’t relate to that. (However, many say the year was 1758.)
Sometimes, the day people died is the memorial/celebratory
day ... Kamehameha died on May 8, 1819, so it is not related to that.
Maybe the date relates to the day he became the ruler over
all the islands … Negotiations between Kamehameha and Kaumuali‘i, in 1810,
occurred around April (based on Isaac Davis’ death,) so it probably doesn’t
relate to that.
I asked my friend Kepā Maly if he had guidance and he referred me to a translation
of SM Kamakau, which states:
“The celebration of Kamehameha Day on June 11, came about in
the following way.”
“On December 11, 1871, the birthday of Kamehameha V who was
at that time ruling king, a public celebration was held with horse-riding and
other sports.”
“It was agreed to make this celebration an annual event, but
because of the uncertain weather in December to change the date to June.”
“Kamehameha V died soon after, and the holiday remained as a
“Day in Commemoration of Kamehameha I,” (La Ho‘o-mana‘o o Kamehameha I.)”
So, while linked to Kamehameha V’s birth date, it boils down
to having a celebration when the weather is better (6-months from King
Kamehameha V’s birthday.)
The 1896 legislature declared it a national holiday.
Almost from its first observance this day was celebrated
chiefly by horse races in Kapi‘olani Park, but the races eventually gave way to
today’s parades of floats and pāʻū riders.
In 1939, Hawaii Revised Statute 8-5 under the Territorial
Legislature of Hawai‘i created the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission.
In 1978 the legislature renamed this holiday King Kamehameha
I Day.
On February 14, 1883, the Kamehameha statue was unveiled at
Aliʻiōlani Hale during the coronation ceremonies for King Kalākaua. The customary draping of the Kamehameha
Statue with lei dates back to 1901.
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