Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 6, Number 6, 1 June 1989 — Canoe Flotilla Re-Enacted [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Canoe Flotilla Re-Enacted

Kailua-Kona Celebrates Kamehameha Day

Seventy-five years ago,on June 11, 1914, the first King Kamehameha Celebration was held in 'the bustling village of Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i. About 60 men sailed onto the sands of Kaiakeakua beach in koa canoes. A double eanoe conveyed the "ali'i nui," portrayed by an unidentified kama'aina of Kona, escorted by a multitude of canoes, one proudly waving the Hawaiian flag. To the chanting of Aipia, the royal entourage slowly made their way to the Hulihe'e Palaee grounds where they were met by the refined women of Na 'Ahahui O Ka'ahumanu and Hale O Na Ali'i, sponsors of this great celebration. "La Ho'omana'o O Kamehameha I," (A Day in Commemoration of Kamehameha I) had finally eome to the shores of Kamehameha's last plaee of chosen abode. On June 10, the re-enactment of this great event will take plaee onee again in the bustling modern town of Kailua-Kona. This time, the double eanoe Hokule'a will lead the koa eanoe fleet of the Big lsland Canoe Racing Association, Moku O Hawai'i. Association members will be in full ceremonial dress. Since the sands ofKaiakeakua("sea ofthe god") beach today lie mostly under Kailua pier and partially under the seawcdl, the royal court of Kamehameha will land at nearby Kamakahonu bay. Opening ceremonies will begin at 7 a.m. at Ahuena heiau, followed by a full day of events celebrating "Paiea: A Legacy Remembered." The schedule for this daylong cultural ho'olaule'a is:

• 9 a.m. — Canoe races begin at Kailuapier. This marks the beginning of the state eanoe racing season. • 10 a.m. — The grand floral parade, one of Hawaii's largest, begins at the Kona Hilton Resort, with an estimated 80 entrants, including: the Pa'u Queen and eight island princesses in resplendent attire on horseback; and the King's Guard of King's Village, Waikiki. The Guard will perform their unique precision drill routines at the awards ceremony after the parade.

• 1 p.m. — Award ceremonies on the Hulihe'e Palaee grounds. • 6 p.m. — The elegant Kamehameha Royal Ball, featuring a dinner show and dance music will be held at the Kona Hilton Resort. Women guests are invited to wear holoku (Hawaiian formal ball gowns). While the day's events are sponsored by the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission, a state office, this cultural celebration is organized and presented by the combined communities of the Big Island, who are participating in the different events.

The landing of a flotilla of canoes, representing the ali'i Kamehameha, will be re-enacted this month in Kailua-Kona. Photo courtesy Maguire, Stillman & Springer collection, Kona Hīstorical Society