Celebrate Kamehameha Day With These 10 Hawaii Facts for Kids

One of the most important public holidays in the U.S. state of Hawaii is the upcoming Kamehameha Day, celebrated annually on the 11th of June. Also known as the Napoleon of the Pacific, King Kamehameha I united the Hawaiian Islands into one kingdom after years of fighting. His successes and legacy tell quite an interesting story, which you can read in our Hawaii Facts for kids list presented below.  

The upcoming holiday is a great opportunity to teach kids a little bit more about the history, and the cultural and geographical distinctions of Hawaii. Thanks to our Hawaii facts for kids, you can do that. And, while we tried to cover some of the most interesting facts about Hawaii, don’t forget that you can always find more in our Hawaii facts and worksheets bundle. The bundle also features 11 ready-to-use worksheets incorporating brain games, filling out missing information, mapping out Hawaii, and so much more!

Hawaii Facts for Kids!

In this section, we’ll share 10 fun facts about Hawaii, five of which relate to Kamehameha Day and five about the state in general. We’ll begin each paragraph with a fact, but continue providing more information about the context and stories behind those facts. 

Hawaii Facts for Kids #1: King Kamehameha

King Kamehameha I was a great warrior and leader who succeeded to unite all of the Hawaii Islands in 1810 after years of fighting.

You can read the details about the legend of Kamehameha’s birth and early upbringing on GoHawaii’s website. In short, his birth and legacy were prophesied as a great chief born under Halley’s comet. Before the unification of the Hawaii Islands, he proved his worth through military achievements and unforgettable battles. 

The unification was and still is of great significance because it means the people living in the smaller islands are territorially and culturally protected.  

Hawaii Facts for Kids #2: Kingdom of Hawaii

The newly founded Kingdom of Hawaii was ruled by the House of Kamehameha (Hale O Kamehameha), the first royal family of the united Hawaii Islands. They ruled from 1795 to 1872, when Kamehameha V died. 

Their legacy is the establishment of Hawaii Islands as a unified state, but also the name Hawaii itself. Originally, the Hawaii Islands were named after the Earl of Sandwich by Captain James Cook. However, with the influence of the Kamehameha House, the name “Sandwich Islands” was replaced and accepted by world forces around the world as “Hawaii.” 

Hawaii Facts for Kids #3: The Tradition of Ho‘olaule‘a and the Floral Parade

In 1871, Kamehameha V proclaimed the 11th of June a celebration honoring Kamehameha I. Soon, King Kamehameha I Day became a public holiday celebrated with Ho‘olaule‘a (literally meaning celebration) and Floral Parade.

While the meaning of Ho‘olaule‘a is literally a festival or celebration, it does refer to authentic Hawaiian-style festivals with lots of hula dancing and music, foods, vendors, and games.

The Floral Parade is the main event where marching bands perform, including the oldest municipal band in the USA, the Royal Hawaiian Band. The parade also consists of the traditional royal paʻu riders, meaning a queen on horseback who’s followed by eight Princesses from eight islands. 

Hawaii Facts for Kids #4: Draping Ceremony

Every year from 1901, beautiful hand-made lei are draped over King Kamehameha I statue in Hawaii which marks the beginning of Kamehameha Day. 

The event usually takes place in the afternoon, a day before the floral parade. The statue is draped in lei in front of Aliʻiolani Hale and ʻIolani Palace on King Street in Honolulu, the capital.

There are six statues of King Kamehameha I. 

Hawaii Facts for Kids #5: Six Statues

The King Kamehameha I statues are very sacred and respected in Hawaii. The first and original statue was made in 1878, marking the 100th anniversary of the arrival of Captain Cook to the Hawaiian Islands. The original statue was supposed to be installed in Honolulu but was placed in Kamehameha’s birthplace in North Kohala.

However, on the way to North Kohala, the ship carrying the statue wrecked and a replica had to be made. Fortunately, after the replica was made, they found and restored the original statue. 

Hawaii Facts for Kids #6: Largest Dormant Volcano in the World

Haleakala, or East Maui Volcano, is the world’s largest dormant volcano, located in Maui. It’s so big that it represents 75% of the Island. 

The highest peak of the volcano, Puʻu ʻUlaʻula (Red Hill), is known as the House of the Sun because scientists use the place to study the sun from there. It’s 10,023 feet (3,055 m) high. 

It’s believed that Haleakala has produced many eruptions in the past with the last being in the 17th century. The U.S. Geological Survey has rated Haleakala as Hazard Zone 3 out of 9, since it’s estimated that it has erupted 3 times in the past 900 years.

Hawaii Facts for Kids #7: Two Official Languages

Hawaii is the only U.S. state with two official languages – Hawaiian language and English. 

The Hawaiian language is considered to be a Polynesian language belonging to the Austronesian language family. It was officially established by a constitution in 1939 and 1940 initiated by King Kamehameha III.

However, by the 1950s, the language was still losing popularity at the expense of English speakers and its use significantly decreased. Today, the Hawaiian language is considered an endangered language that might not survive for too long. It’s important to promote it and encourage people to learn it, in order to preserve the language as part of Hawaiian heritage.

Hawaii Facts for Kids #8: Each Island to Its Color and Flower

Hawaii Islands have their own official colors and flowers which distinguish them. However, keep in mind that this refers to the eight major islands and not all the islands. 

The Big Island is characterized by the color red and the lehua flower. Maui is viewed through the pink color and the lokelani rose flower. 

The rest: 

• Kahoolawe – color: gray, flower: hinahina plant;
• Lanai – color: range, flower: kaunaoa plant;
• Molokai – color: green, flower: kukui Nut flower;
• Oahu – color: yellow, flower: ilima flower;
• Kauai – Purple – Mokihana berry
• Ni’ihau – color: White, flower: White Pupu shell.

Hawaii Facts for Kids #9: How Many Islands?

Eight islands in Hawaii are well known since they’re the largest, but there are a total of 137 islands recognized by the state. 

In fact, the state of Hawaii is formed by all 137 islands and 5 countries, including HawaiÊ, Honolulu, Kauai, Maui, and Kalawao. 

Now, if we also count the small, inhabited islands, islets, rocks, coral reefs, and atolls, then there are 152, some of which are actually a group of islands recognized as one. 

Hawaii Facts for Kids #10: Largest Lahaina Banyan Tree In the World?

A Banyan Tree (Ficus benghalensis) in Lahaina, Hawaii is the largest tree in Hawaii and the whole United States.

But, is it the largest banyan tree in the world? 

The tree is 60-feet high and 150 years old, however, it’s not the biggest one in the world. The largest Banyan tree in the world is located in India, inside the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Botanical Garden. It’s estimated to be 250 years old.

Before You Go

Hopefully, you liked our list of fun Hawaii facts for kids and you feel inspired to organize a captivating lesson through which, together with kids, you’ll mark Kamehameha Day.

Don’t forget that you can find a lot more information inside our worksheet bundle, which we linked at the beginning of this article. Plus, if you visit our website and browse through our growing library of teaching resources, you might find additional materials that would be of help, so feel free to explore. 
Finally, make sure to visit our blog and subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates about new worksheet packs, resources, and blog content.