Kamehameha the Great A Rich Legacy in North Kohala
Kamehameha the Great fulfilled the prophecy of the birth of a male who would become the greatest of all chiefs in Hawai'i. Kamehameha was born in the North Kohala area of Kokoiki, around 1758. Because of the prophecy, he was seen as a threat to current rulers.
Protecting the future King
Pololu Valley
Word went out to find and kill the baby, but the Kohala community conspired to save him. The future King was carried on a perilous journey through Kohala and Pololu Valley to Awini, a mountain area where he was raised until age 13. The village names of North Kohala commemorate events of that historic journey.
After he came to power, Kamehameha knew he could always count on Kohala to be loyal and help him, because they had been dedicated to him from the moment he was born.
In 1795, the prophecy came true as Kamehameha conquered the islands and united them in peace, becoming King Kamehameha I. Many Hawaiian residents in the area can trace their ancestry to the King.
North Kohala is proud of its connection to the King and reveres him as both leader and ancestor. This reverence is visible in the loving care with which the Kamehameha statue in Kapa'au is maintained, and in the grassroots effort that creates a full day of ceremonies each Kamehameha Day.
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.
After he came to power, Kamehameha knew he could always count on Kohala to be loyal and help him, because they had been dedicated to him from the moment he was born.
In 1795, the prophecy came true as Kamehameha conquered the islands and united them in peace, becoming King Kamehameha I. Many Hawaiian residents in the area can trace their ancestry to the King.
North Kohala is proud of its connection to the King and reveres him as both leader and ancestor. This reverence is visible in the loving care with which the Kamehameha statue in Kapa'au is maintained, and in the grassroots effort that creates a full day of ceremonies each Kamehameha Day.
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.
