Kamehameha Day

In the year 1872, Kamehameha V, by royal decree, declared June 11 as a public holiday to commemorate the life and deeds of Kamehameha I. In the early days, Kamehameha Day was annually celebrated with a range of various of sports, mainly aquatic events such as swimming, diving and racing.

The Hawaii Chapter No. 1 of the Order of Kamehameha was organized by Prince Kuhio in 1904. One of the purposes of the organization was to perpetuate the memory of King Kamehameha. From 1904 to 1912, the Kamehameha Day celebration was sponsored by that chapter.

On July 11, 1912, a coalition of organizations, including the Hawaii Chapter No. 1, Order of Kamehameha, Hui Kaahumanu, Hale o Na Alii, Daughters and Sons of Hawaii, and the Daughters and Sons of Hawaiian Warriors, organized a Kamehameha Day celebration committee which assumed the responsibility of the June 11 celebrations.

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You may support future Kamehameha Day events by donating via the link below. Contributions to Nā Kahu O Hōʻai, a 501c3 non-profit, are tax deductible and go to support education programs, conservation, and maintenance of Kamaloʻula Cultural Preserve and Prince Kuhio Park. For large contributions or to make Nā Kahu o Hōʻai part of your estate planning please contact : nakahuohoai@gmail.com