Join us after the parade at Hulihe‘e!

Join us for the annual King Kamehameha Day Ho‘olaule‘a with Hawaiian music, hula performances, plenty of ‘ono grindz, and local artisans and vendors! The Ho‘olaule‘a at Hulihe‘e Palace in Historic Kailua Village will begin at approximately 11:00 AM following the King Kamehameha Day Celebration Parade on Saturday, June 8, 2024. The roads close at 8 AM and the parade will start at 9 AM along Ali‘i Drive.

Festival Details

Festival Opening Blessing with Kumu Keala Ching! Following the parade, Kumu Keala will officially open the Ho‘olaule‘a with a blessing. He is a strong supporter of Huliheʻe, always promoting and encouraging kamaʻāina and visitors to learn our history, and celebrate our aliʻi while visiting the Palace!

We recommend everyone dress comfortably and casually. Out of respect for our ali‘i, torsos must be fully covered before entering the Palace Museum. Sunblock, hats, and visors are highly recommended while enjoying the festival. Beach chairs and blankets welcomed, personal coolers not allowed.

Festival Entry & Palace Tours: Entry to the festival is free. Admission into the Palace Museum for Self-Guided Palace Tours are $8 General, $3 Youth (5-12yrs), $1 Children (4 yrs & Under), and $5 Kama‘āina (with valid ID). Admission is not redeemable for another date.

All proceeds from the Ho‘olaule‘a go towards the historic preservation, maintenance and operations of the Palace and grounds.

ENTERTAINMENT

As is tradition, we’re looking forward to an incredible line-up of Hawaiian music and hula performances following the King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade.

At 12:30 PM, save yourself a seat as we welcome Kenny Tagavilla to the stage!

We are pleased to announce the return of Kenny Tagavilla! Playing music for over 20 years throughout South Kona, “Kenny T” is well known for his “shaka and a smile” and his unique country sound. His music is enjoyed by many and has gained recognition throughout Kona and the music community. In December 2023, Kenny released his newest full album with his original song, “KONA GROWN”. Kenny is a passionate singer and songwriter, and was honored to be a 2023 Nā Hōkū Hanohano finalist for “Entertainer of the Year” and “Most Promising Artist.”

See below for a first look at our entertainment lineup for the festival and when they’ll perform, so you can plan accordingly!

Host & Emcee Ben Samson-Mahi

We are pleased to announce Festival Host & Emcee, Ben Samson-Mahi! Master lei maker and the resident caretaker at Huliheʻe, Ben has been helping the Daughters of Hawaiʻi with caring for the Palace since 2003.

11 AM Hālau Maunalei with Kumu Hula Lehua Bray

Hālau Mauanlei is located in Kealakekua and shares hula with students from keiki to gracious ladies. Kumu Hula Lelehua’s mission has always been to teach others to love and embrace the traditions and the art of hula passed down to her.

11:30 AM Haunani Wehrsig 

Haunani is a soloist musician in Kona performing contemporary Hawaiian and local music.

VENDORS

FUN FACTS:  On December 22, 1871, King Kamehameha V proclaimed a national holiday to honor and celebrate his grandfather and the father of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Originally, the people of Hawai‘i wanted to mark the legacy of Lot Kapuāiwa (Kamehameha V) on his birthday, December 11. Being the humble ali‘i that he was, he opted to honor his grandfather instead and pushed the holiday as far away from his (Lot’s) birthday as possible, hence the arbitrary date of June 11. Thus, June 11, 1872, was the very first King Kamehameha Day holiday ever celebrated.

King Kamehameha I’s brother-in-law, Royal Governor John Adams Kuakini, built Hulihe‘e as his home and completed it in 1838. Kamehameha I was married to Kuakini’s sisters: Ka‘ahumanu, Nāmāhāna Pi‘ia, and Kalākua Kaheiheimālie.

Princess Ruth Ke‘elikōlani was the granddaughter of Kamehameha I. She was also the hānai daughter-in-law to Kuakini, through her marriage to his hānai son William Pitt Leleiohoku. Ke‘elikōlani made Hulihe‘e her chief residence, but preferred to sleep in a hale pili on the grounds.

On Kamehameha Day, June 11, 1928, the Daughters of Hawai‘i opened Hulihe‘e Palace as a historic house museum, having restored the home with original royal regalia and furnishings.

Brought to you by the Daughters of Hawai‘i in partnership with the King Kamehameha Day Celebration Parade, Kailua-Kona, with funding from the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s Community Enrichment Program presented in partnership with the Hawai‘i Visitors & Convention Bureau and the Island of Hawai‘i Visitors Bureau.