Tag Archives: Kamehameha Day

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The first Kamehameha Day out in the country, 1872.

Day Commemorating Kamehameha I.

According to the news we received, the day the nation remembers Kamehameha I was preciously observed in different places of the nation, and this is good news for the very beginning of this day. Here below you will find what took place in various places, and here it is:

In Lahaina

“The activities of the day for the commemoration of Kamehameha I began at 9:12 A. M. with G. W. Pehu as the Chairman of the day’s events.”

A prayer was given by Hanunu. Chairman G. W. Pehu stood and explained to the crowd. This is the day that we were told in the announcements in our newspapers that this day is one that we are to commemorate, but not just on this day and that’s it; no, we are to continue this until the end, for he is the pillar of our world, the one who cleared away the thorny wilderness of this archipelago and made it into a fine garden, and it for him which we have pride: the wondrous one, the victor of victors, the one who shorn off the roughness  of these islands and smoothed it out making it a peaceful nation.

The one for whom we are starting off with this very first day, for whom we are celebrating for all times, with humble hearts, modesty, and aloha. He is our famed conqueror across the whole world. He is called the Napoleon of the Pacific Ocean, for his dexterity and his bravery and fearlessness; the victor of victors in battle for these 12 islands. He is the 1st of the Kamehamehas, who has gone, leaving our sacred offspring, King Kapuaiwa, Aliiolani, now living amongst us, the fifth of the Kamehamehas, one of his blossoms now appears clearly before us. And we proclaim together O Crowd gathered here at the church of Wainee, the House made by his royal ancestors who are passed on, while some of their descendants live on, along with the one who occupies the throne today.

For we now say in unison with aloha and humble hearts, May He Live! May the King Live in God!!

Therefore O People, let us keep the activities of the day well under control.

The first event. The singing of the Choir of Wainee, the hymn, “He Akua Hemolele.” There was a prayer by Hanunu, the pastor of the day. The Choir sang once more, “Ke Akua Mana Mau.”

The old ladies stood, along with the old men; some of the old men were right below the pulpit of Wainee, decked out in  layers of pa’upa’u kapa, and sang memorized songs of old. Like the Second Alphabet [Pi-a-pa-lua], sung like this: “Aha, Ahi, Aho, Ahu,” and so forth. Kenoi was the leader along with A. Makekau; this came to an end.

A. Makekau called out once more to this group of oldsters, with the Pi-a-pa-lua, exhorting in this manner:

“Don’t care after wooden idols,
Let us turn to the ever-living ruler,
It is good to glorify the ever-living God,
This, according to Iolani, the King of Hawaii.”

With this singing of the old ones, there was not a single one there who did not feel gratitude for the work done in times past. And after this was done, the makua then sang the Pi-a-pa-lua.

When the speaker, J. K. Unauna, stood, he was wearing a Large Whale Ivory Lei [Palaoa], which curved at the front like a banana of Kaea whose blossom containers [okai] are twisted. By the speech, of the speaker, the audience was immensely pleased, like a fish caught on the hook, weaving this way and that.

He spoke of the different famous feats of the Chief Kamehameha I. The audience was filled with thanks and appreciation. And, at the end of the speech of the speaker, the audience stomped their feet, like these lines of mele:

“I have nothing but praise for the beauty of Aipo,
Shuddering at the cold of Hauailiki”

["Aole a'u mea mahalo ole i ka nani o Aipo,
E li ana ka io i ke anu o Hauailiki."]

And when the audience calmed down, the voices of the men and women burst forth, singing the national anthem [mele lahui] composed by one of our chiefly children, Lilia K. Dominis. To witness this, it was as if the current was drawing to Alae [e ko ana ke au i Alae].

The program was over, and the audience was released, and the went to the other festivities at Keawaiki, which was teeming with people; there were so many people seen at the activities of the white ones of Lahaina nei. At the hour of 11 A. M., the games began:

First event, boat race, won by the boat of A. C. Smith. Event 2, Mule race, won by Castle Jr.’s mule. Event three, sack race, won by Arika of Kaanapali. Event 4, swimming race, won by Poepoe. Event 6, pig chase [alualu puaa], which was won by him. Event 7, tin can filled with molasses and you try to get the dollar inside using your tongue; it was miserable to watch. Won by [?Nahioihi]. Event 8, a wooden pole of 6 feet tall; the money ($2.50) atop the pole was not gotten.

[This article continues with scenes from Wailuku and Kailua, Kona. Look for the continuation at a later date. The image online is very hard to read. I can't wait for the day when all the newspapers are rescanned clearly!]

(Au Okoa, 6/20/1872, p. 3)

La Hoomanao Kamehameha I.

Ke Au Okoa, Buke VIII, Helu 10, Aoao 3. Iune 20, 1872.

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The First Kamehameha Day, 1872.

This past Tuesday, as per the Royal Proclamation, the 11th of June was observed as the day to commemorate Kamehameha I, our Royal Ancestor who conquered the land. This is a new day included in the realm of holidays; and the people were joyous at the designating of a day like this for the remembering of our precious beloved one of days gone by. The day opened beautifully, without any drops to bother the people who were well adept to celebrate the day. From early morning, the doors of the large and small shops of town were closed shut, and when the sun came out, nonexistent the sight of many people on the streets of this town, and the places of work were deserted. Everyone was ready to entertain themselves with pleasures of all sorts; some people with feasts or horse riding, but it seemed as if most of the people were at the races set up at Kulaokahua, where enjoyments of all sorts took place [? i muu ai].

The sight of the race track on that day, was as if like no other before. The lanai and tents were nicely built, and congratulations go to those responsible for that distinguished job. The lanai and grounds were filled all the way atop the hills with thousands enjoying themselves with the festivities of the day. Should a visitor stand far away and look forth, it was as if it was a scene from great racing days in Europe. The events of the day began at 10 o’clock or thereafter; and to take in all of the many fun activities of the day was great; there were no big uproars to disturb the peace; that is something unusual for big days like this.

At 10 o’clock sharp, Queen Emma made an appearance with her guests, and King Kapuaiwa with his suite. At the arrival of the King, the activities of the day were opened, and all the people joined in the festivities set aside. There are the races below as well as those who won.

The activities of the day began with the First Race for the Kamehameha Plate, which was two miles long. John A. Cummins [Keoni Kamaki] of Waimanalo won, with “Carry the News,” with a time of four minutes and thirty seconds. This was one of the fine open races [heihei pualu] of the day.

Trotting Race [Heihei Holo Kaa], for one hundred dollars, two mile long course. J. T. Chayter won with the horse Bill Taylor, with a time of seven minutes and thirty seconds.

Foot Race [Heihei Kukini], for twenty dollars, two hundred yards, won by E. Williams [Edward Williams].

King’s Cup, won by John A. Cummins [Keoni Kamaki], with his horse, “Carlotta,” one mile and  a half, with a time of two minutes and twelve seconds.

Sack Race [Heihei Eke], was one of the most humorous races of the day, won by Sam, the harbor boy who is used to winning that type of race in past years.

Honolulu Purse [Eke Honolulu nei], of $100, one mile, won by “Bosetona,” the horse of Keoni Miki [John Meek].

Mule Race [Heihei Miula], $40, won by the mule of Mr. Pilipo of Kailua, Koolaupoko.

Foot Hurdle Race [Heihei Kukini Lele-pa], four hurdles in a hundred yards; the first place went to Ed. Williams, and the second to Sam; $40 and $10.

Public Purse [Eke o ka Lehulehu], one mile, the horse of John A. Cummins [Keoni Kamaki], “Tom Riddle,” won, with a time of two minutes and fourteen seconds.

$60 Purse [Heihei Eke $60], half a mile long, between “Carlotta” and “Jack Diamond.” This was one of the best races of the day, in the first running, they were head to head; but on the second race, “Carlotta” won with a time of one minute.

Velocipede Race [Heihei Kaa Huila kahi], half a mile long, won by Edward Williams.

Hurdle Race [Heihei Lele pa], for $80, won by “Carry the News,” the horse of John A. Cummins [Keoni Kamaki]. Eight hurdles were jumped over in two miles.

The final race was the wheelbarrow race [heihei kaa palala], which was the most comical. With this race, the activities of the day came to a close, and everyone went home with hearts filled with much joy. There is one thing amongst all the activities which we appreciate greatly, that is the fraction of various sorts of commotions. There were no disturbances believed to have resulted from the gaiety of the day.

[This is quite a different type of celebration compared to today. Whatever you may have planned for today, let there be remembering of the one who unified the islands, Kamehameha Paiea.]

(Au Okoa, 6/13/1872, p. 2)

Ma ka Poalua iho nei...

Ke Au Okoa, Buke VIII, Helu 9, Aoao 2. Iune 13, 1872.

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Announcing the first Kamehameha Day, 1872.

BY AUTHORITY.

Tuesday, the 11th of June, the Day of Commemoration of Kamehameha I, will be observed as a Holiday, and all Government Offices will be closed.

Ferd. W. Hutchison.

Minister of the Interior [Kuhina Kalaiaina].

Office of the Interior [Keena Kalaiaina], June 4, 1872.

(Au Okoa, 6/6/1872, p. 2)

MA KE KAUOHA.

Ke Au Okoa, Buke VIII, Helu 8, Aoao 2. Iune 6, 1872.

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Old canoe, 1902.

Waa of the Olden Days

There is a tiny waa of the old sort, like those of the time of Kamehameha or perhaps before that; it is being displayed at the store of McInerny [Makanani] on Fort Street. The small waa is in good condition, and is truly beautiful to see. Antiquities are something those of today have much interest in. Canoe building will be demonstrated as a means to earn some money for that festive day of June, the holiday for Ka Na’i Aupuni, Kamehameha.

[Anyone know what became of this waa?]

(Kuokoa, 6/6/1902, p. 1)

Ka Waa o ke Au Kahiko

Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke XL, Helu 23, Aoao 1. Iune 6, 1902.

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Collage of Royal Order of Kamehameha officers, 1918.

THESE ARE THE OFFICERS OF THE AHAHUI KAMEHAMEHA, THE ORGANIZATION HEADED BY PRINCE KALANIANAOLE, AND AS USUAL THIS HAWAIIAN ORGANIZATION HELD A PRAYER SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE FOR KA NA’I AUPUNI KAMEHAMEHA IN KAWAIAHAO CHURCH THIS PAST SUNDAY, WITH OTHER HAWAIIAN GROUPS IN ATTENDANCE AT THAT GATHERING OF COMMEMORATION. THE NAMES OF THE OFFICERS ARE SEEN BELOW THEIR PICTURES.

William Kawohionalani Cano, Reuben Kinney, Solomon Meheula, William Chung Hoon, Jr., Edward K. Wongham.

Samuel K. Kamaiopili, Samuel Pinao, Benjamin N. Kahalepuna, George H. Miranda, James L. Holt.

Prince J. K. Kalanianaole, John K. Lane, Joseph K. Kanepuu.

(Kuokoa, 6/14/1918, p. 1)

O NA LUNA NUI KEIA O KA AHAHUI KAMEHAMEHA...

Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke LVI, Helu 24, Aoao 1. Iune 14, 1918.

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Royal Order of Kamehameha: the early days, 1903.

The Secret Society of the True Natives.

On the 11th of this month, on the day of Ka Na’i Aupuni [Kamehameha Day], a number of native youths established a secret society called “Kamehameha Order”. There are many respected Hawaiians who joined this association, and Prince Kalanianaole is the head of this group.

It is stated that this association will be spread across this Archipelago, and native Hawaiians will be allowed to join, should they be fitting.

One of their major functions will be trying to search out and to care for things from times of old, and the designating of the storied places [wahi pana] all over these islands.

Currently, there is a Historical Society [Ahahui Moolelo o ke Au Kahiko]¹, and they have a lot, but the oiwi Hawaii themselves must do something so that the famed ones of times past will live on, and also to foster things that will let the name of Hawaii live on in perpetuity.

¹The roster of active members of the Hawaiian Historical Society of 1903 read:

“Ables, L. C.; Achi, W. C.; Alexander, S. T.; Alexander, W. D.; Allen, S. C.; Allen, W. F.; Baldwin, H. P.; Banning, B. R.; Beckwith, Rev. E. G.; Beckwith, Miss Martha; Bertram, Bro. G.; Bishop, Rev. S. E.; Bolte, C.; Bowen, W. A.; Boyd, J. H.; Brown, Cecil; Brown, C. A.; Bryan, Wm. A.; Carter, A. W.; Carter, G. R.; Carter, Mrs. H. A. P.; Carter, J. O.; Cartwright, Bruce; Castle, G. P.; Castle, J. B.; Castle, W. R.; Catton, R.; Cooke, A. F.; Cooke, C. M.; Cooke, Jos. P.; Cunha, E. S.; Damon, F. W.; Damon, S. M.; Day, Dr. F. R.; Dayton, D.; Desha, G. L.; Dickey, C. H.; Dickey, L. A.; Dillingham, B. F.; *Dimond, W. W.; Dole, E. P.; Dole, Hon. S. B.; Dowsett, J. M.; Emerson, J. S.; Emerson, Mrs. J. S.; Emerson, Dr. N. B.; Emerson, Rev. O. P.; Emmeluth, J.; Fisher, J. H.; Frear, Hon. W. F.; Giffard, W. M.; Goodale, W. W.; Graham, W. M.; Haalelea, Mrs. A. A.; Hackfeld, J. F.; Hall, W. W.; Hartwell, A. S.; Hatch, F. M.; Henriques, E.; Herrick, C. F.; Hobron, T. W.; Ho Fon; Humphreys, A. S.; Hustace, C.; Irwin, W. G.; Jones, P. C.; Judd, Albert F.; Lewers, Robert; Logan, D.; Lowrey, F. J.; Lucas, George; Lyle, James; Lyons, C. J.; Mclanahan, E. B.; McGonagle, Chas.; McIntyre, H. E.; Mackintosh, Rev. A.; Magoon, J. A.; May, Thos.; Mott-Smith, E. A.; Nakuina, M. K.; Nolte, H. J.; Parke, W. C.; Peacock, W. C.; Pearson, Arthur W.; Pond, Percy M.; Potter, Geo. C.; Rhodes, C. L.; Robinson, M. P.; Rodgers, Dr. C. T.; *Ropert, Rev. F. G., Bishop of Panopolis; Rowell, W. E.; Schaefer, F. A.; Schmidt, H. W.; Searle, J. C.; Sedgwick, T. F.; Smith, G. W.; Smith, Henry; Smith, Walter G.; Smith, W. O.; Stokes, John; Swanzy, F. M.; Timmons, L. D.; Towse, Ed.; Thrum, T. G.; Thurston, L. A.; von Holt, H.; Walker, T. R.; Wall, W. E.; Waterhouse, H.; Weaver, P. L.; Westervelt, Rev. W. D.; Whiting, W. A.; Whitney, Dr. J. M.; Wichman, H. F.; Wilcox, A. S.; Wilcox, C.; Wilcox, G. N.; Williams, H. H.; Wilson, W. F.; Wodehouse, E. H.; Wood, Dr. C. B.; Wood, Edgar; Wundenberg, F.
*Deceased.

(Kuokoa, 6/26/1903, p. 1)

Ka Hui Malu o na Oiwi Ponoi.

Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke XLI, Helu 26, Aoao 1. Iune 26, 1903.

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More Decorating the Kamehameha Statue, 1912.

MALIHINIS AND KAMAAINAS CELEBRATE KAMEHAMEHA DAY

Leading Hawaiians Decorating the Statue of Kamehameha yesterday.

(From Wednesday’s Advertiser.)

Cloaked in leis from helmet to feet the stalwart and majestic Kamehameha looked out over city and mountains in the light of a perfect day, thousands of holiday makers shut up shop and went out to play yesterday in honor of the first king of Hawaii Nei and scores of horsemen passed before the statue keeping the old Kamehameha Day custom.

Aside from the pleasant weather, which is a traditional accompaniment of the day, the decorating of the statue and the Hawaiian races and luau at Kalihi there was not much to remind the public of Kamehameha, and it would seem that the public determined to turn the occasion into a playful Sunday. There were no pa-u riders, although a number of horsemen on all grades and classes of steeds rode about town in groups. Many of them were cowboys in full regalia.

There were a few Hawaiian flags in evidence, one or two consular flags and hundreds of bare flag-poles. Evidently the brilliant sun was relied upon to bring out the natural colors of Honolulu’s setting so the bunting was deemed unnecessary.

An enormous crowd turned out to see the marathon runners come in from Haleiwa, another enormous crowd made a pilgrimage to aquatic and other sports at the Kalihi races and luau, and it seemed that half of Honolulu crowded about the Athletic Field at Punahou and tried to climb the fence while all the youngsters in town were inside drinking pop and playing games at the Central Union Church’s picnic.

Beaches Crowded.

The beaches were crowded all day and the sunburn “took fine” on a thousand or more lily complexions. At nine o’clock yesterday morning the crowds began to gather along King street and by noon the police were busy keeping people off the car tracks and pulling the absent minded from in front of tooting automobiles between Kalihi and Waikiki. The bicycle and foot races stirred up as much enthusiasm and drew as big a holiday crowd as a pa-u parade in the old days when Kamehameha was honored in true Hawaiian style. The old Portuguese statue worshiper who performs his unique rites before the judiciary building daily was not in evidence yesterday. He probably got a glimpse of his old friend the king in his giddy, gaudy holiday rags at long range and thought him lacking in the dignity which should hedge a real worshipful deity.

Draping the Monarch.

The work of clothing the deep chested monarch in flowers was done yesterday morning by the Order of Kamehameha. Fifty members of the lodge marched from the Odd Fellows building to the statue about eight-thirty o’clock carrying their flowers and leis and after the decorating formed in a circle in front of the statue where they were addressed by Kaukau Alii Chung Hoon, Sr. The ceremony closed with the singing of Hawaii Ponoi. There was a large general attendance of spectators at this function.

When the mounted police squad came back from the Punahou picnic they were as weary as a force of fond mothers after getting the youngsters washed and dressed for Sunday school. For about five hours they had hopped from one corner of the athletic field to the other persuading the irrepressible small boys on the outside that they were not invited and that entrance was to be had at the gate and by ticket. The Central Union Bible class was entertaining the Kakaako and Palama mission schools and the latter were certainly entertained.

At the close of the races the big down-town crowds dispersed, the few stores that were open in the forenoon closed, Absalom stretched out in the middle of the sidewalk at Fort and King and had a snooze and a Sabbath-like calm brooded over the city of palms and poi, as the poet might say.

[Found on Chronicling America!]

(Hawaiian Gazette, 6/14/1912, p. 2)

MALIHINIS AND KAMAAINAS CELEBRATE KAMEHAMEHA DAY

The Hawaiian Gazette, Volume LV, Number 39, Page 2. June 14, 1912.

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Decorating the Kamehameha Statue, 1912.

[Found under: "Local News"]

All members of the Ahahui Kamehameha Division 1 are requested to assemble in the Building of the Secret Society, Odd Fellows, at 10 in the morning of this coming Sunday, June 9, 1912, to go on to pray in Kawaiahao Church, as is done in all past years; and they are also ordered to assemble within Kapiolani Hale at half past 8 on the morning of Tuesday, the 11th of June, 1912, to go and decorate the statue of Kamehameha I in front of the Government Building. Do not forget this order!

(Kuokoa, 6/7/1912, p. 8)

Ua makemakeia na lala apau...

Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke XLVIII, Helu 23, Aoao 8. Iune 7, 1912.