King Kamehameha Statue
The King Kamehameha Statue in Hilo honors one of Hawaii's greatest historical figures, standing 14 feet tall in Wailoa River State Park. It is the tallest of four statues dedicated to King Kamehameha I, who unified the Hawaiian Islands and established the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1810.
King Kamehameha Statue, Hilo
The King Kamehameha Statue stands proudly near downtown Hilo in the Wailoa River State Park. It is one of four statues of King Kamehameha I. The other three are located in Kohala on the Big Island of Hawaii, in downtown Honolulu on the island of Oahu, and in Statuary Hall in Washington, D.C.
King Kamehameha I, also known as Kamehameha the Great, who was born 1758 or 1737 or 1738 (there is some debate as to the precise year of his birth) and who died in 1819, was one of the most beloved of Hawaii's heroes. Kamehameha I was the one who conquered the Hawaiian Islands, unified them and established the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1810. Even during times of intense Western influence, his government managed to maintain peace and the traditional values. He developed alliances with the major Pacific colonial powers and by doing so preserved Hawaii's independence.
Until today, King Kamehameha is remembered for the Mamalahoe Kanawai, the Law of the Splintered Paddle, which, in times of battle, protects the human rights of non-combatants. Kamehameha's full Hawaiian name is Kalani Paiea Wohi o Kaleikini Keali'ikui Kamehameha o 'Iolani i Kaiwikapu kaui Ka Liholiho Kunuiakea.
This statue in Hilo measures 14 feet (4.3 m) tall and is the tallest of the four statues of King Kamehameha. It was sculpted by R. Sandrin at the Fracaro Foundry in Vicenza, Italy, in 1963. However, the statue was placed here years later, in 1997. It had originally been commissioned for $125,000 by the Princeville Corporation for their Kauai resort. But because Kauai residents didn't want to see the statue erected on Kauai (Kauai was never conquered by Kamehameha I), the statue was donated to Hilo instead since the town was one of the king's political centers.
Key Features of King Kamehameha Statue
- Tallest of four Kamehameha statues: This 14-foot bronze statue was cast in Italy in 1963 and installed in Hilo in 1997
- Located in Wailoa River State Park: Easily accessible near downtown Hilo, surrounded by tranquil park grounds
- Commemorates Hawaii's unifier: Honors King Kamehameha I, who united the islands into a single kingdom
- Originally destined for Kauai: Donated to Hilo after local opposition on Kauai, which Kamehameha never conquered
- Historic inscription and craftsmanship: Sculpted by R. Sandrin with cultural and historical significance
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many King Kamehameha statues are there?
There are four statues: one in Hilo, one in Kohala (Big Island), one in Honolulu (Oahu), and one in Washington, D.C.
Where is the King Kamehameha statue located in Hilo?
It is located in Wailoa River State Park, near downtown Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Why wasn't the statue placed on Kauai?
Kauai was never conquered by Kamehameha I, and residents opposed its placement there. The statue was instead donated to Hilo in 1997.
Is the statue a popular spot for photos?
Yes, the statue's impressive height and park setting make it a favored spot for photos and cultural appreciation.
How tall is the Hilo statue?
The Hilo statue is 14 feet (4.3 meters) tall, making it the largest of all King Kamehameha statues.