SATURDAY 

The King Kamehameha Day Community Parade in Kona starts at Huggo’s at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 13 and winds north on Alii Drive to end at the Palani/Kuakini intersection above King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel.

The theme this year, Aohe Lokomaikai i Nele i ka Panai or ‘No Good Deed goes Unrewarded,’ was chosen because it embodies the spirit of the Hawaiian people and their unselfish generosity called aloha. This was and still is the lifestyle of the people of Hawaii

Following the parade, a hoolaulea (celebration) at the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel main lobby from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., will include an arts & crafts fair, a native Hawaiian arts exhibit, entertainment and the parade awards ceremony.

There will be free shave ice all day, compliments of Target Stores in celebration of the opening its Kona store. 

Canoe races are also scheduled all day at the Kailua Pier.  The King Kamehameha Day Regatta is hosted by Kai O Pua Canoe Club.

SUNDAY

The Daughters of Hawaii and the Calabash Cousins present a free concert 4 p.m. Sunday, June 14 at Hulihee Palace to remember the late King Kamehameha I. 

In addition to enjoying performances by the Merrie Monarchs and the Hulihee Palace Band, attendees can make a donation to win original art created recently on the palace grounds — this month’s concert features a watercolor by Wanda McManus, “The Queen’s Palace.”

Born circa 1758 in Kohala, Kamehameha moved the heavy naha stone as a teen — a feat that prophesied he would rule the island chain. 

In battle, Kamehameha overtook the Big Island, Maui, Molokai and Oahu; he put Kauai and Niihau under his sovereignty by diplomacy. By 1810, the Kingdom of Hawaii was established and Kamehameha moved his court from Waikiki to Kailua-Kona.

“After Kamehameha formed his island kingdom he attempted to modify the impact of war on innocent citizens caught in the conflict,” said Fanny Au Hoy, palace administrator. “He issued an edict protecting women, children and the elderly from arbitrary attack.”  

Kamehameha also instituted a law to protect the weak from the strong, recalling a blow he suffered as a young warrior when his foot was caught in a rock crevice. The opponent hit Kamehameha with a canoe paddle that splintered at impact and the command later became known as the Law of the Splintered Paddle. 

The king died in 1819 in Kailua-Kona.

Hulihee Palace has been closed for repairs since December 2007; the historic landmark suffered $1.5 million in damages from the October 2006 earthquake. 

It is expected to reopen this year. 

A Hulihee Restoration Fund has been set up and tax-deductible donations are appreciated.  

Mail donations to Hulihee Palace, 75-5718 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. 

Additional palace concert dates for 2009:

July 26: Kumu Hula Etua Lopes and his Halau Na Pua Ui O Hawaii

Aug. 23: Kumu Hula Etua Lopes and his Halau Na Pua Ui O Hawaii

Sept. 20: the Hulihee Palace band

Oct. 18: Kumu Hula Etua Lopes and his Halau Na Pua Ui O Hawaii

Nov. 15: the Hulihee Palace band

Dec. 13: Kumu Hula Etua Lopes and his Halau Na Pua Ui O Hawaii