Schedule and Location of Events
Sunday, June 11, 2023
All events of the North Kohala Kamehameha Day Celebration take place in and near the towns of Hawi and Kapa'au on the northern tip of the Big Island of Hawai'i.
Procession of Royal Societies 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM. There are four Royal Societies: The Royal Order of Kamehameha, ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu, Hale o Nā Aliʻi and Māmakakaua (Daughters and Sons of Hawaiian Warriors). The four Royal Societies will lead, followed by the Daughters of Hawaiʻi, the ʻAhahui Kaʻiulani and Hawaiian Civic Clubs.
Lei Draping Ceremony and Tradition Paʻu Parade 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: See the original statue of King Kamehameha I in all its holiday glory. The statue in Kapa'au is decorated with many 20-foot-long floral lei created in tribute to the King.
Watch a traditional pa'u parade with horses and riders adorned in flowers and colors to represent each Hawaiian Island. At 9:00 AM the road closes while Honorees and Pa'u riders make their way from Kohala High and Elementary School to the statue and Kamehameha Park in Kapa'au. Parade to begin promptly at 9:00 AM.
Hana Noeʻau 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Enjoy "hands-on"education exhibits that ends the dayʻs festivities at the statue.
ʻAha 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Join us as we celebrate the Kohala Festivities and the ceremonial release of KŪKULU, A Tribute to the Pillars of Mauna a Wākea, a compilation CD acknowledging, recognizing and honoring all who stand for Mauna Kea and places everywhere around the world.
Procession of Royal Societies 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM. There are four Royal Societies: The Royal Order of Kamehameha, ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu, Hale o Nā Aliʻi and Māmakakaua (Daughters and Sons of Hawaiian Warriors). The four Royal Societies will lead, followed by the Daughters of Hawaiʻi, the ʻAhahui Kaʻiulani and Hawaiian Civic Clubs.
Lei Draping Ceremony and Tradition Paʻu Parade 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: See the original statue of King Kamehameha I in all its holiday glory. The statue in Kapa'au is decorated with many 20-foot-long floral lei created in tribute to the King.
Watch a traditional pa'u parade with horses and riders adorned in flowers and colors to represent each Hawaiian Island. At 9:00 AM the road closes while Honorees and Pa'u riders make their way from Kohala High and Elementary School to the statue and Kamehameha Park in Kapa'au. Parade to begin promptly at 9:00 AM.
Hana Noeʻau 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Enjoy "hands-on"education exhibits that ends the dayʻs festivities at the statue.
ʻAha 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Join us as we celebrate the Kohala Festivities and the ceremonial release of KŪKULU, A Tribute to the Pillars of Mauna a Wākea, a compilation CD acknowledging, recognizing and honoring all who stand for Mauna Kea and places everywhere around the world.
Seeing it all
For best viewing, arrive by 7:00 a.m. and leave your car in Kamehameha Park, site of the afternoon festivities. From the park, it's a short walk to parade viewing and ceremonies at the King's statue in front of the civic center.
Driving directions
Getting there from Kona
Drive north on Queen Ka'ahumanu Hwy (19) to Kawaihae Road intersection. Turn left after 1 mile, veer right onto Hwy 270 (Akoni Pule Highway) for the 20-mile coast drive to Hawi and Kapa'au.
Getting there from Hilo
Drive north on the Mamalahoa Hwy (19) through Waimea. Veer right onto the Kohala Mountain Road (250) for the 20-mile mountain drive to Hawi or Kapa'au.
Kamehameha Day in North Kohala: All-day festivities, all events free, always on June 11th.
Funding provided by Hawai'i Tourism Authority through Community Enrichment Program.
Drive north on Queen Ka'ahumanu Hwy (19) to Kawaihae Road intersection. Turn left after 1 mile, veer right onto Hwy 270 (Akoni Pule Highway) for the 20-mile coast drive to Hawi and Kapa'au.
Getting there from Hilo
Drive north on the Mamalahoa Hwy (19) through Waimea. Veer right onto the Kohala Mountain Road (250) for the 20-mile mountain drive to Hawi or Kapa'au.
Kamehameha Day in North Kohala: All-day festivities, all events free, always on June 11th.
Funding provided by Hawai'i Tourism Authority through Community Enrichment Program.
