This year marks the 150th Annual King Kamehameha Day holiday with festivities planned across the islands.  The Celebration’s theme is “E Ola Ka Inoa ʻO Kamehameha – 150th King Kamehameha Day Anniversary”. 

On Oʻahu, the annual celebration of King Kamehameha Day begins with the Lei Draping Ceremony on Friday, June 10, at 2:30 p.m. fronting Ali‘iōlani Hale. Expect to see cultural protocols and pageantry, along with beautiful hand-made lei being draped on the outstretched arms of King Kamehameha. Enjoy the music of the Royal Hawaiian Band and performance by Hālau Mōhala ‘Ilima. During the reign of King Kalākaua, last king of the Hawaiian Kingdom, a statue honoring Kamehameha I was commissioned in Florence, Italy to commemorate the founder of the Kingdom. On its way from Europe, the ship carrying the bronze statue sank off the Falkland Islands. Fortunately, insurance covered the cost of casting a second statue. In the meantime, the first statue was recovered, and Honolulu soon had two statues. To honor the birthplace of Kamehameha, King Kalākaua gifted the original statue to the people of Kohala. The second statue proudly stands in front of Aliʻiōlani Hale, home to Hawai‘i’s Supreme Court and the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center. All are welcome to join the regal women of ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu in stringing 30-foot plumeria lei to serve as a base of lei on the statue – a tradition that has been carried on by these gracious ladies for nearly as long as the statue has stood. Donation of loose plumeria flowers accepted at 8 am.

Then the 105th King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade will take place at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 11, 2022.  The event features floral floats, marching bands and Pāʻū riders on horseback as well as representatives from Hawaiʻi’s Royal Societies. As in year’s past, the parade will take a route beginning at King Street fronting ‘Iolani Palace. Participants will then head down Punchbowl Street, before making a left on to Ala Moana Boulevard and eventually Kalākaua Avenue. The parade comes to a finish at Monsarrat Avenue and Queen Kapi‘olani Park. Streets will begin to close in Downtown Honolulu at 7:30 a.m., with closures coinciding as the Parade moves along the route, several blocks before its approach. The Parade is expected to reach Kapiʻolani Park around 11:30 a.m.

The patience and consideration by residents, retail establishments, and the public along the parade route during this process is greatly appreciated. While parade organizers and volunteers work to ensure a timely delivery, congestion in the area can be expected, during the event. Motorists are advised to avoid the area by using alternate routes and allow for extra driving time in areas near the event. Please refrain from double-parking, which creates congestion, limits traffic flow and is illegal.

Also on Oʻahu on June 11, the King Kamehameha Celebration Hoʻolauleʻa will take place at Kapiʻolani Park from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with free admission and available as well as food booths, family friendly activities and more. Enjoy Hawaiian cultural activities, hula, live entertainment by Melveen Lead and the Hawaiian Trio ʻUheʻuhene.  The event will also feature vendors showcasing products made and designed n Hawaiʻi including:  Strongarm Hawaiians, Aumoana Designs, Mana Comics and Aloha Catering Ventures, to name a few.  The event has been become a tradition where parade-goers end their day. It is a time for families and supporters to relax and enjoy the afternoon with all who attend and also meet and greet with Pāʻū Riders and those who will be participating in parade. The Hoʻolauleʻa will be held at Kapiʻolani Park where the parade ends on Kalākaua Avenue.