Kamehameha Schools on Friday kicked off a weekend of events celebrating King Kamehameha III, Ka Lani Kauikeaouli.
The celebration got underway with a morning ho’okupu ceremony honoring Kauikeaouli on his birthday at Keauhou Bay, his birthplace on Hawaii Island, by Daughters of Hawaii, stewards of the birth site.
The 21st annual Tribute to Kamehameha III — A Birthday Celebration for Ka Lani Kauikeaouli continues today with a free virtual ‘aha mele (concert) from 5 to 8 p.m. The concert can be viewed live at www.ksbe.edu/kauikeaouli or on Na Leo TV Channel 53.
The concert, which will be staged at the Outrigger Keauhou Resort, will allow ‘ohana and friends to gather in the comfort of their homes to enjoy the sight and sounds from Moku o Keawe. KAPA radio personalities, “Jaz and Ka‘ea,” will host the celebration spotlighting mele and hula performances by Keolanui featuring David Ka‘io, Nathan “Keola” Grace, Sean Park and Kevin Kealoha, Halau Ka‘eaikahelelani, Kealoha Reff and ‘Ohana, and headliner Joshua Baba Tavares and ‘Ohana.
Each year, a special tribute to Kauikeaouli by the Daughters of Hawaii and Kamehameha Schools takes place with a ceremony at the historic place of his birth at Keauhou Bay. Kamehameha III was born March 17, 1814, and died Dec. 15, 1854. He reigned over Hawaii from 1825 to 1854.
Saturday’s concert was preceded by a panel discussion Friday evening with current and former Punana Leo o Kona kahu, kumu and makua: Akelina Tibayan, Tehani Lau, Jesse Kekoa Kaho‘onei, Kah‘okahi Kanuha and ohana, and Mahina Paishon Duarte. The panel, in ‘olelo Hawaii, was moderated by Kaimana Barcarse, Kamehameha Schools Community Strategist.
“Ka Lani Kauikeaouli was ahead of his time and many people do not know that he established Hawaii’s Public School System,” said Barcarse. “We celebrate his foresight that brought progress to the people of Hawaii, with this free virtual event.”