King Kamehameha Day 2021 significance, history and other details about this special event

On June 11, Hawaiian state of United States of America celebrates King Kamehameha I Day. Kamehameha Great, Hawaiian monarch who was first to unify Hawaiian Islands of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and Hawai'i, was named after him. A duplicate of this statue can be found at Emancipation Hall at Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C., and in Hilo, Hawai'i. Re on to know more about King Kamehameha day 2021, its history, significance and more.

Kamehameha day significance

Kamehameha Day is a Hawaiian public holiday that includes a day off for general public as well as school and business closures. Kamehameha Great was ruler of Hawaii from 1782 until 1819. He united and founded Kingdom of Hawaii in 1810, for which he is well-known. Kamehameha Day is celebrated every year on June 11 in his honour. 

Kamehameha day history

To honour his grandpa, Kamehameha I, Kamehameha V (on December 22, 1871) designated June 11 as King Kamehameha Day. It was almost intended to replace Hawaiian Sovereignty Restoration Day (on July 31), which monarch and ministers disliked due to Paulet Affair's connection.

holiday was initially honoured following year. In late 1800s, King Kamehameha I Day celebrations included carnivals and fairs, foot races, horse races, and velocipede races. Governor of Hawai'i and Hawai'i State Legislature established King Kamehameha I Day as one of first holidays when Hawai'i became a state in 1959.

King Kamehameha I Day is celebrated today with elaborate activities that harken back to ancient Hawai'i and honour cultural tritions that Kamehameha fought to maintain as his society transitioned toward European influences. King Kamehameha Hula Competition takes place over two days at Neil S. Blaisdell Center, and it attracts hula groups from all around world. Prizes are given out on second night.

Kamehameha Day celebration

celebrations include a tritional Pa‘u Pare and a Ho‘olaule‘a. activities are organised by King Kamehameha Celebration Commission and several community organisations.  celebration's most important ceremony dates back to 1901 when Territory of Hawai'i was created. Kamehameha Statue in front of Aliiolani Hale and Iolani Palace on King Street in downtown Honolulu is wrapped in long strands of lei during afternoon draping ritual.

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