The History of King Kamehameha Day in Hawaii

Get Episode Show Notes Here:  --> hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode66 <--Hawaii is one of incredible culture and rich history. The history and culture of these Polynesian islands are often highlighted through public holidays that celebrate the phenomenal traditions of Hawaii.One such holiday, celebrated annually on June 11th, honors the first monarch who established the Kingdom of Hawaii, Kamehameha the Great. The holiday is celebrated across the eight major Hawaiian islands of Hawaii: O'ahu, Maui, Ni'ihau, Kaua'i, Moloka'i, Lāna'i, Kaho'olawe, and Hawai'i Island.What is King Kamehameha Day?After uniting the islands, Kamehameha the Great became the first King of Hawaii and this day is a celebration and memorial of him. King Kamehameha Day is a beautiful celebration of not only Kamehameha the Great but also, the protection and preservation of the Hawaiian culture. Celebrated in a festival style, King Kamehameha Day is enjoyed by thousands of Hawaiian locals and tourists on June 11th every year. The festival celebration features traditional Hawaiian song, dance, and chats along with delicious food, arts, and crafts.The History of King Kamehameha DayAfter years of strife and conflict across what is now known as the Hawaiian islands, Kamehameha the Great united the islands into one kingdom in 1810. He became the first King of Hawaii and was known as a wise diplomat, fierce warrior, and was highly respected as a leader. Sixty-one years later, King Kamehameha V, his great-grandson, declared by royal decree that June 11th would be King Kamehameha Day in honor of his memory.The day was also implemented as a replacement for Hawaiian Sovereignty Restoration Day that took place on July 31st, a holiday King Kamehameha V disapproved of due to association with the Paulet affair. The first celebration took place on June 11th, 1872 and the early festivities were celebrated through grand carnivals.During the years of 1893 and 1898, celebrations fell to the wayside after the overthrow of Hawaii but the day continued to be recognized and was re-established when Hawaii became a United States territory in 1898. The celebration has been an annual event ever since and was one of the first public holidays proclaimed on Hawaii State Legislature when the islands entered statehood in 1959. Get Episode Show Notes Here:  --> hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode66 <--EPISODE RESOURCEShawaiisbesttravel.com/episode50Medterra CBD; 15% off "HAWAII"SPREAD ALOHABe sure you subscribe to the podcast to automatically receive your episodes!Have a Question? Wanna Share Your Hawaii Tips or Experience?Send us a message, and we’ll share it on the podcast: speakpipe.com/hawaiisbestSupport the podcast: hawaiisbesttravel.com/supportGet Episode Show Notes Here:  --> hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode66 <--CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIALInstagram: Instagram.com/Hawaiis.BestFacebook: Facebook.com/HawaiisBestTravelJoin our Visit Hawaii Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/traveltohawaii As always, continue to live out aloha no matt_🌴 Plan Your Hawaii Trip With BryanAbout Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan respectful Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & cultural insight.Connect on InstagramHawaii Planning Facebook GroupFree Hawaii travel tips & guides at hawaiisbesttravel.com🤝 To sponsor the show visit hawaiisbesttravel.com/partnerHawaii travel podcast helps you plan a trip to Hawaii with clarity. Discover practical travel tips, island itineraries, & local insight to help you explore Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island.Edge of the Ocean (w/ permission)Ukulele and Chill (w/ permission)Talk Story (w/ permission)