Kamehameha Day in Hawaii Date in the current year: June 11, 2024

Kamehameha Day was established by Kamehameha V, the grandson of the king, on December 22, 1871. Kamehameha V wanted to honor his grandfather, who is known as one of the most prominent rulers of Hawaii. During his reign Hawaii was the center of the sandalwood and fur trade, coffee and pineapples were planted on the islands. The very first observance of Kamehameha Day was in 1872. The first celebrations of the holiday featured different activities: foot, velocipede and horse races, carnivals and fairs.

Modern floral parade is held annually throughout the islands of Hawaii. The parade is proceeded by the state celebrates called Hoʻolauleʻa, which literary means “celebration”, with food and music. Different games, arts and crafts, sports and other events are scattered throughout Kapiʻolani Park, the ending point of floral parade. On the Big Island of Hawaii the lei draping ceremony is held at the United States Capitol, where Kamehameha Statue is installed.