King Kamehameha (1756-1819) is Hawaii greatest king and responsible for unifying the island under one rule and set the stage for the Hawaii monarchy rule. Born in the district of Kohala of the big island, He is recognized as the warrior king and four statues have been made as a tribute to his accomplishments. The one in downtown Honolulu has been just in front of the old judiciary building, another can be found in the statuary hall in Washington DC, the original statue is at Kapaau, his birthplace, and another one is found in Hilo.
The original statue was sculptured by Thomas R Gould, an American sculptor, in Rome, Italy, in 1879. It was then cast in bronze in Paris and shipped from Germany. On its way, the ship had a fire on board and sank near the Falkland Islands. Another statue was made from the original mold and shipped to Hawaii. In 1883, the statue was dedicated by King Kalakaua.
On the left hand, the statue holds a spear as a symbol of the kingdom capacity and willingness to defend itself from any type of aggression. The right hand is widely extended as a gesture of friendship and welcoming. The statue stands eight and a half feet tall, depicting Kamehameha royal garb. The helmet is made of rare feathers and it is clothed in a gilded cloak.
The 11th of June is known as Kamehameha day and recognized as a state holiday. On that day, the statue is adorned with beautiful flower leis, on the statue stretched arm are placed yellow and pink plumera and garlands of royal ilima are placed on the neck to signify strength and power. The statue of King Kamehameha is a tribute to a Hawaii greatest king who unified the island and ruled the kingdom for decades.