In 1810, Kamehameha I also known as Kamehameha the Great unified the Hawaiian islands under himself as one ruler.  In 1871, Kamehameha V (Lot) declared a holiday in honor of his Great Grandfather.  The holiday is celebrated in Hawaii on June 11 each year.  One of the biggest components of the events surrounding Kamehameha Day is the adoring of the statues of Kamehameha the Great around the country.  In Honolulu, large lei are draped on the statue in front of Aliiolani Hale to honor the king and his legacy.  To further honor Kamehameha the Great, hula halau my perform in addition to other tributes left for the king at the base of the statue.  The lei draped statue is a popular postcard picture sent by visitors to show their friends about their trip to Hawaii.

To see pictures from different Lei Draping ceremonies, check out my Flickr collection

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