June 11th was King Kamehamea Day, a state holiday celebrating the monarch who united the Hawaiian Islands - mostly by war, but we won't talk about that - in 1810. The king was born here in the North Kohala region of the Big Island, so he holds a special place in the hearts of the locals. There is a statue of him in Kapaau, just 3 miles down the road from us. On King Kamehameha Day there is a lei draping ceremony during which dozens of 25-foot long handmade leis of all variety are draped on the statue's arms. Also, a floral parade winds its way from Hawi to Kapaau, ending at Kamehameha Park for a festival of music, crafts and food. It's small town Americana with a Polynesian twist. All good fun.
The man of honor bedecked in leis
Intricate botanical displays at the base of the statue
The floral parade featuring the fashionable Pa'u Riders
The descendents of King Kamehamea are honored by forcing them to wear a buttock-revealing outfit
This is a rural place so horses are big here, and they enjoy wearing outfits.
The Lions Club
Spectators
Deborah, Lucy and the King
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