Kapa'au

Kapa'au is a North Kohala town on Hawaii Island, known for the original King Kamehameha I statue, plantation history, small shops and the drive toward Pololu Valley.

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Kapa'au

Kapa'au, Big Island

Located on the northern tip of the Big Island near Keokea Beach Park is the small historical village of Kapa'au. It is best known for being home to the statue of King Kamehameha the Great (and near his birthplace as well), who unified the Hawaiian islands under his rule. Each spring, Kapa'au honors the king with a parade, games and festivities. The celebration ends with a lei-draping ceremony of the King Kamehameha statue, which stands on the grounds of the former courthouse (today this building is the Kohala Information Center).

The statue has an interesting history. Built in Paris in 1878, the statue was put on a ship en route to Hawaii. However, the vessel sank at sea near the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic. Since the shipment was insured, the Hawaiian Legislature ordered a new one. In the meantime, the captain of the wrecked ship later found the statue that was believed to be lost. It stood in Port Stanley. He purchased it for $500 and shipped it to Hawaii, where it was erected in Kapa'au. The second statue of Kamehameha now stands in front of Ali'iolani Hale (Judiciary Building) in downtown Honolulu.

Key Features

North Kohala town on Hawaii Island's northern side
Home of the original King Kamehameha I statue
Close to Hawi and the road toward Pololu Valley
Former sugar plantation town with historic North Kohala roots
Akoni Pule Highway is the main road through town
Small shops, services and community buildings line the town area
North Kohala Public Library is located in Kapa'au
Wind, showers and clouds can change quickly in North Kohala
Population: 2,008 at the 2020 Census
Zip code: 96755

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Kapa'au known for the King Kamehameha I statue?

The statue in Kapa'au is the original casting made for Hawaii. After it was lost at sea and later recovered, it was brought to North Kohala, near the region associated with Kamehameha I's birth.

How is Kapa'au connected with North Kohala sugar history?

Kapa'au grew during the Kohala sugar era, when plantation work, mills, rail lines, schools and small stores shaped the towns of North Kohala.

How is Kapa'au different from Hawi?

The two towns are close together, but Kapa'au is farther east and closer to the King Kamehameha I statue, schools and the road continuing toward Pololu Valley.

What is the North Kohala Public Library connection?

Kapa'au is home to the North Kohala Public Library, which serves the surrounding communities and adds to the town's role as a local service center.

Why does North Kohala have such a distinct landscape?

North Kohala is the oldest part of Hawaii Island. Its eroded valleys, green pastures, windward rain and former plantation lands give the area a different look from Kona and the Kohala Coast resorts.