King Kamehameha Day (June 11): lei draping and floral parade

Hawaiʻi honors the king who united the islands with towering lei draped on his statues in Honolulu (in front of Aliʻiōlani Hale), Kapaʻau in North Kohala (his birthplace) and Hilo, plus a floral parade with pāʻū riders through Honolulu and Waikīkī. June 11 is a state holiday.

• Honolulu lei draping: at the Kamehameha statue on King Street; long strands of plumeria and other flowers are hung from the statue by Honolulu Fire Department ladders. It's often held on a different day than the parade.
• Floral parade: from downtown Honolulu to Kapiʻolani Park through Waikīkī, with pāʻū riders representing each island, floats and bands.
• North Kohala (Hawaiʻi Island): ceremony and festivities at the original statue in Kapaʻau.
• Dates and times are set each year by the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission (State Foundation on Culture and the Arts).

Sources: State Foundation on Culture and the Arts: King Kamehameha Celebration Commission · Hawaii News Now: lei draping ceremony (June 13, 2026)

Last checked Oct. 29, 2026. Hours, fees and rules can change, so confirm with the official source before you go.