ALI’I SUNDAY EVENT HONORS KAMEHAMEHA THE GREAT
The Royal Order of Kamehameha Kahehili Chapter IV on Maui honored King Kamehameha in an Ali’i Sunday service at Wai’ola Church in Lahaina over the weekend. The event is one of several being held across the island and the state to commemorate the accomplishments of Kamehameha I.
Members of Maui's royal societies presented ho'okupu (gifts) at the cemetery grounds of the Wai'olo Church as part of this weekend's Ali'i Sunday activities. Photo by Wendy Osher 2009.
In attendance were members of the Royal Order, Aha Hui Ka’ahumanu, Hale o Na Ali’i and Na Koa Kau I Ka Meheu O Na Kupuna. The Royal Order Kahekili Chapter carried a set of kahili (feather standards) recently refurbished by students at King Kekaulike High School.  The kahili dates back several generations and will be used into the future as part of the Royal Order’s protocol and procession.
The services also included the presenting of ho’okupu (gifts) at the cemetery grounds of the Church. Those in attendance paid reverence to the ruler also known as Kamehameha The Great, Pai’ea, and Kamehameha I.
Kamehameha is recognized for establishing the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1810, commissioning the Hawaii Flag and creating the Law of the Splintered Paddle to protect human rights.
The Royal Order will commemorate Kamehameha’s birth on Thursday June 11th with a procession down Ka’ahumanu Avenue in Kahului.
The royal society annually observes the day with reverence paying special attention to the significance of Kamehameha’s role in Hawaiian history.
The march down Kaahumanu Avenue is a procession as opposed to the celebratory parades held across the state, beginning at 9 a.m. at the main entrance of Maui Community College, and ending at Hoaloha Park.
The week of festivities wraps up with Na Kamehameha Commemorative Pa’u Parade and Ho’olaulea on Front Street in Lahaina. The event will be held on Saturday, June 13.
Image courtesy Lahaina Hawaiian Civic Club.
The theme of this year’s event, “E Ho’i I Ka Piko Aloha A E Ola Mau Ka ‘Ölelo Hawai’i” means, Return To Cultural Honor & Caring – The Hawaiian Language Lives.
Posters for the event feature the ‘alala (native crow), which dwells deep in the uplands and is known for its distinct voice. The species is favored by Hawaiians today to work fervently to reclaim the Hawaiian language.
The parade, which honors all of those in the Kamehameha lineage, begins at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday June 13, with the Hoolaulea running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. underneath the Banyan Tree in Lahaina.
(Posted by Wendy OSHER © 2009; Photos by Wendy Osher © 2009)
**Our crews were on hand during the 2008 event and captured the following footage on Na Kamehameha Commemorate Pa’u Parade & Ho’olaulea 2008.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqgDM6pQRTE[/youtube]
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