Kapa'au
Kapa'au is a small historic village on the northern tip of the Big Island, famous for housing the original statue of King Kamehameha the Great near his birthplace. It offers cultural charm, scenic proximity to Keokea Beach Park, and hosts a yearly lei-draping celebration in honor of the king.
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 of Kapa'au
- Historic landmark: Home to the original statue of King Kamehameha the Great
- Annual celebration: Hosts a King Kamehameha Day parade and lei-draping ceremony
- Unique backstory: Statue was lost at sea and later recovered from the Falkland Islands
- Nearby attractions: Close to Keokea Beach Park and King Kamehameha's birthplace
- Community resource: Kohala Information Center located in the town's historic courthouse
- Population: 2,008 (2020 Census)
- Zip code: 96755
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kapa'au most famous for?
Kapa'au is best known for being the home of the original statue of King Kamehameha the Great, located near his birthplace.
What happens on King Kamehameha Day?
Each spring, Kapa'au celebrates King Kamehameha Day with a parade, festivities, and a ceremonial draping of leis over the statue.
How did the statue end up in Kapa'au?
The statue was lost at sea in 1878 near the Falkland Islands and later recovered and brought to Kapa'au. A second casting was erected in Honolulu.
What else is there to see in Kapa'au?
Nearby attractions include Keokea Beach Park, scenic views of Kohala, and local shops and galleries offering handcrafted goods.