Kamehameha Day Observed Across Hawaii June 11

King Kamehameha Day, observed annually on June 11, honors Kamehameha I, the monarch credited with unifying the Hawaiian Islands in 1810. Celebrations include floral parades, lei-draping ceremonies at Kamehameha statues, cultural exhibitions, and the Kamehameha Hula Competition, with festivities held across various islands. On Oʻahu, the parade traditionally starts at ‘Iolani Palace and ends at Kapiʻolani Park, accompanied by food, music, and cultural displays. In observance of the holiday, city and county offices, satellite city halls, and driver licensing centers are closed, while essential services such as emergency response, public transportation, parks, and the Honolulu Zoo remain operational. Street parking is generally free, except for some metered locations, and changes to refuse, market, and facility schedules are noted. The holiday, established in 1871 and recognized by the state since 1959, continues to honor both historic and cultural traditions central to Hawaiʻi’s identity.