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King Kamehameha Day

Honor King Kamehameha Day with a celebration of Hawaiian culture! Enjoy traditional music, hula dancing, and delicious local cuisine.

Thursday

June 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJune 11

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYFamous People

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate the legacy of King Kamehameha on June 11 with King Kamehameha Day! This special holiday honors the memory of the great Hawaiian ruler who unified the Hawaiian Islands in 1810 and established a powerful kingdom. It has been celebrated since 1871, when it was declared a public holiday by King Kalākaua. With its long history, this day is filled with fun traditions and activities that honor the life and achievements of one of Hawaii's most beloved rulers. So grab your lei and join in on all the festivities for an unforgettable celebration!

TIMELINE

King Kamehameha Day Timeline

King Kamehameha Unifies Hawaii

King Kamehameha the Great successfully unified the Hawaiian Islands into one royal kingdom in 1810 after years of conflict.

First King Kamehameha Day

King Kalākaua declared June 11 as a holiday to honor Kamehameha the Great, the first King Kamehameha Day takes place.

Kamehameha Statue Unveiled

The iconic King Kamehameha Statue is unveiled in Honolulu on King Kamehameha Day, becoming a symbol of the holiday.

First Held Floral Parade

The first floral parade is held on King Kamehameha Day, a tradition involving a procession of floats adorned with native Hawaiian flowers.

Recognition Beyond Hawaii

King Kamehameha Day starts to gain recognition outside of Hawaii with celebrations occurring in parts of mainland United States.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate King Kamehameha Day

Research King Kamehameha

Take some time to read and learn about King Kamehameha, the founder of the Kingdom of Hawaii. Read about his life, his accomplishments, and his influence on Hawaiian culture.

VISIT

Visit a museum

There are various museums across Hawaii that feature exhibits about King Kamehameha. Visit one of these museums to get an up-close look at the history and legacy of this great king.

WATCH

Watch a movie or documentary

Celebrate King Kamehameha Day by watching a movie or documentary about him. This is a great way to learn more about him and his impact on Hawaiian history.

ATTEND

Attend a parade

Across Hawaii, there are parades held to commemorate the life and legacy of King Kamehameha. Attend one of these parades and join in the celebration.

MAKE

Make a traditional dish

Cooking is a great way to celebrate any holiday, so why not make a traditional Hawaiian dish for King Kamehameha Day? Try out local favorites like Kalua pork or poi for a unique culinary experience.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why King Kamehameha Day is Important

It brings people together

King Kamehameha Day is also a great opportunity for people from all backgrounds and beliefs to come together and celebrate the spirit of aloha. There are parades, parties and other festivities that bring everyone together in honor of the king and in appreciation for the wonderful life he provided for us all!

It honors King Kamehameha I

King Kamehameha Day is an important holiday that honors the first king of the Kingdom of Hawaii. On this day, we celebrate his legacy and the importance of uniting the Hawaiian Islands into a single kingdom - something that would have been impossible without his leadership and strong sense of justice.

It celebrates Hawaiian culture & history

Kamehameha Day is not just a celebration of one man; it's also a celebration of Hawaiian culture and history. It serves as a reminder to all of us to respect our past, our traditions, and pay tribute to those who worked hard to make Hawaii what it is today.

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