Kamehameha Day in the United States is a state holiday in Hawaii, celebrated annually on June 11. It honors Kamehameha the Great, the monarch who established the Kingdom of Hawaii and united the Hawaiian Islands in 1810.

History:

• Established: Kamehameha Day was first proclaimed by Kamehameha V, the great-grandson of Kamehameha I, in 1871 as a day to honor his family legacy.
• Significance: The day commemorates King Kamehameha's contributions to preserving Hawaiian sovereignty and unifying the islands.

Traditions:

• Floral Parades: Festive parades take place in various locations across Hawaii, with participants adorned in traditional Hawaiian attire and floats decorated with native flowers.
• Lei Draping Ceremony: A popular tradition is the draping of lei on the statues of King Kamehameha across the islands, including a famous statue in front of Aliʻiolani Hale in Honolulu.
• Hula Performances: Cultural events featuring hula dancing are common, celebrating Hawaiian culture and heritage.
• Competitions: Various competitions such as canoe races, hula competitions, and lei-making contests are held.

What People Do:

On Kamehameha Day, people participate or attend parades and local festivities. Schools and government offices are closed. Many communities hold fairs with music, dance performances, and food vendors offering traditional Hawaiian dishes. It's a time for Hawaiians to celebrate their cultural history and for visitors to learn about and appreciate Hawaiian traditions.