Happy Birthday!

Keaweaweʻula Kīwalaʻō Kauikeaouli Kaleiopapa ascended the throne as King Kamehameha III of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i in 1825. In remembrance of his life and his legacy, join us for our annual ho‘okupu ceremony on his chosen birthday, March 17th, at his birthplace at Keauhou Bay on the island of Hawai‘i.

The age of Kamehameha III was that of progress and of liberty—of schools and of civilization. He gave us a Constitution and fixed laws; he secured the people in the title to their lands, and removed the last chain of oppression. He gave them a voice in his councils and in the making of the laws by which they are governed. He was a great national benefactor, and has left the impress of his mild and amiable disposition on the age for which he was born.

–King Kamehameha IV on January 11, 1855 

The program begins on Friday, March 17, 2023 at 9 AM at Sea Quest Hawai‘i at Keauhou Bay with:

This free event is open to the public and all are invited to attend. Sea Quest Hawai‘i is located at Keauhou Bay at 78-7138 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740.

HIS LEGACY: During King Kamehameha III’s rule, Hawaiʻi changed from an isolated island kingdom to a recognized member of the modern world. Many of his accomplishments continue to serve the people of Hawaiʻi today. Under his leadership, King Kamehameha III:

• signed the Declaration of Rights, issued the Edict of Toleration permitting religious freedom, founded the Chief’s Children’s School,

• enacted the first Constitution establishing a constitutional monarchy which codified laws and reorganized the government into Executive, Judicial and Legislative branches,

• established the public education school system (the oldest educational system west of the Mississippi),

• declared upland forests as government property effectively starting the process of protecting watersheds,

• reformed the land system allowing for fee simple ownership by commoners,

• organized the Honolulu Fire Department, and

• obtained diplomatic recognition of Hawaiian independence by the United States, Great Britain, and France.

Ua mau ka ea o ka ‘āina i ka pono. The sovereignty of the land is preserved through justice.

–King Kamehameha III, July 31, 1843, Ka Lā Ho‘iho‘i Ea–Restoration Day

Members are encouraged to attend and must wear whites to participate in the ho‘okupu presentation. Daughters should wear their lei hulu and Calabash Cousins lei kukui, please wear comfortable walking footwear and hydrate with lots of water. A lauhala hat may also be worn to provide additional protection from the heat and sun.