Don’t leave Honolulu without viewing the much-loved King Kamehameha Statue. This landmark is renowned for several reasons. Not only is it a depiction of a key figure in Hawaiian history, it also came to stand in Honolulu due to an unlikely mix-up. And in addition, its location makes it an ideal point from which to explore many other Honolulu attractions.
King Kamehameha I is one of the most celebrated figures in the history of Hawai’i. This warrior monarch united the Hawaiian Islands in 1810, bringing peace to a troubled region.
The statue of him that stands in Honolulu is one of four similar statues scattered throughout the islands. This one comes with an especially strange story. It was commissioned as a replacement for the very first King Kamehameha I statue. This original statue was lost at sea in 1883 during transit from Paris to Kapa’au, the Hawaiian town where it was intended to stand. When it was bizarrely recovered in the Falkland Islands, the newer version was sent to Honolulu.
Come to the statue to take some photos against the striking backdrop of the opulent Aliʻiōlani Hale, which houses the Hawaii Supreme Court. Choose one of the many historic buildings in the area as the next stop on your trip around Downtown Honolulu.
Directly opposite the statue is the stunning ‘Iolani Palace, where guided tours are offered throughout the day. Alternately, get a sense of Honolulu’s religious past at the Kawaiaha’o Church or the Cathedral of St. Andrew, also just a few minutes away. Afterwards, wander the galleries of the mesmerizing Hawai’i State Art Museum.
If you’re in Honolulu on June 11, be sure to pay a visit to the statue. This is Kamehameha Day, a colorful celebration of the king’s life. See the statue covered in leaves and flowers during the lei-draping ceremony.
Although the statue of King Kamehameha I is located within walking distance of Downtown Honolulu’s main attractions, those coming from Waikiki should drive. It’s well worth the 15-minute ride for the reward of an afternoon of fascinating insight into Hawai’i’s past.
