What You Need to Know about King Kamehameha Day

Ka Naʻi Aupuni (Kamehameha I) is one of the most revered monarchs in Hawaii. Not only did he transform the islands culturally, spiritually, and economically, but his descendants also had an outsized influence on the expanding power and influence of the Hawaiian royals. 

In 1871, one of his grandsons, Lot Kapuaiwa Kalanimakua Aliiolani Kalanikupuapaikalaninui (Kamehameha V), declared June 11th as Kamehameha Day. "More than 100 years later, the Royal Order of Kamehameha and Kamehameha Day are still observed and celebrated today," explains the historians at the University of Hawaii. This summer, you can join the festivities and honor one of the greatest kings of Hawaii.

 

King Kaemehameha: History and Impact

King Kamehameha I, also known as Kamehameha the Great, was born in the 1750s. Hawaiian legend declares that there was a comet in the sky at the time of his birth, which many Hawaiians saw as a symbol of destiny.

"[He] was one of the most striking figures in Hawaiian history, a leader who united and ruled the islands during a time of great cultural change," reports the U.S. National Park Service, noting his diplomatic insights and strategic military skills:

  • King Kamehameha helped bring an end to decades of conflict and warfare between the rival leaders of each Hawaiian island.
  • Kamehameha helped usher in a period of improved commerce and trade, and political stability, for Native Hawaiians.
  • Kamehameha's unification of the islands into a united kingdom helped defend Native Hawaiian sovereignty and preserve Hawaiian culture during a pivotal time of increasing foreign influence from the Americans, British, Russians, and other foreign powers.

King Kamehameha's journey began with consolidating power over the volcanic Big Island. After years of warfare and strategic alliances, Kamehameha ultimately gained full control of the Big Island and then turned his attention to unifying the rest of the Hawaiian Islands, using both diplomacy and force.

By the mid-1790s, his conquests brought the islands of Maui, Oahu, and Molokai under his control. And while he never conquered Kauai and Niihau, which those islands' residents are still proud of to this day, they peacefully joined his kingdom in the early 1800s, resulting in a united kingdom of Hawaii.

 

Kamehameha Day 2025: Where to See the King Kamehameha Floral Parade in June 2025

This year, Hawaiians celebrate the 108th King Kamehameha Day with numerous events on every island. However, most of the main events take place in Oahu. 

King Kamehameha Statue Lei Draping

  • Where: Aliʻiōlani Hale (417 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813 — a quick 20-minute Biki bike ride or convenient 15-minute car ride away from the Waikiki Resort Hotel)
  • When: June 13, 2025, from 2:30 pm to 5 pm
  • What: King Kamehameha was a vocal advocate for preserving Native Hawaiian culture, and the lei draping honors that legacy with hula, an opening oli, and other cultural pageantry. The ceremony ends with an ornate, oversized flower lei being draped over the iconic King Kamehameha statue. 

108th King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade

  • Where: This parade is a true visual and musical spectacle, starting at historic ʻIolani Palace and weaving its way through Waikiki to Kapiʻolani Park (3840 Paki Avenue, just steps from the Waikiki Resort Hotel)
  • When: June 14, 2025, from 9 am to 1 pm
  • What: If you can only go to one King Kamehameha Day celebration, this is it. The hoʻolauleʻa (party) in the park is a must-see, where you can enjoy live Hawaiian and local entertainment, try your hand at Native Hawaiian arts and crafts, pick up authentic souvenirs and gifts, and snack on some of the best local food in Honolulu.

 

The Waikiki Resort Hotel Puts You in the Middle of the Celebration

All of the best King Kamehameha Day celebrations in Oahu take place just a few blocks from the Waikiki Resort Hotel. Thousands of people attend the lei draping, parade, and celebrations. When you stay with us, you're right in the middle of the action without having to worry about parking and fighting the crowds. Book your stay at the Waikiki Resort Hotel online or call us at 1-800-367-5116 to see why our location, friendly staff, convenience, and amenities give us top ratings among our guests.