King Kamehameha Statue | Honolulu

The King Kamehameha Statue is a bronze monument located in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. It depicts the first monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi.

Visual Characteristics

The statue stands 10 feet tall and is cast in bronze. It is gilded with 23.5-karat gold leaf. King Kamehameha I is depicted wearing a feathered cape and helmet, holding a spear. The statue is mounted on a granite pedestal.

Location & Access Logistics

The statue is situated in front of the Aliʻiōlani Hale building at 415 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813. It is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the center of downtown Honolulu. Parking is available in nearby public parking garages, such as the Aliʻiōlani Hale Parking Garage. Several bus lines, including TheBus routes 2, 4, 11, and 13, stop within a two-block radius of the statue.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The statue was commissioned by King Kalākaua in 1878 and completed in 1883. It was designed by Thomas Ridgeway Gould and cast in France. The original statue was lost at sea during shipment and a replica was commissioned and erected in its place. The current statue is the replica. The original statue was later recovered and now stands in Kapaʻau, Hawaiʻi Island.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the statue and its detailed craftsmanship. The area surrounding the statue is a public space for reflection and photography. Cultural events and ceremonies are sometimes held at this location.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the Aliʻiōlani Hale building during its operating hours. Shade is provided by the surrounding trees and the building itself. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong in this urban area. Food vendors are not typically located directly at the statue site, but numerous dining options are available within walking distance in the downtown Honolulu area.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal photography lighting, early morning or late afternoon hours are recommended. The weather in Honolulu is generally pleasant year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C). There are no specific tide requirements for visiting the statue.

Facts & Legends

A lei is placed on the statue annually on King Kamehameha Day, June 11th. The statue is a focal point for Hawaiian cultural celebrations and is considered a sacred site by some.

Nearby Landmarks

• Aliʻiōlani Hale (0.0km North)
• Iolani Palace (0.2km West)
• Kawaiahaʻo Church (0.3km Southwest)
• Hawaii State Capitol (0.4km Northwest)
• Aloha Tower (1.2km Southeast)