Kapaau: Kamehameha Heritage and Historic Buildings

Kapaau offers several specific points of interest for a trip: Kamehameha heritage, historic buildings, an annual celebration on June 11, and a range of recreational destinations. When choosing a hotel, you can start by considering your main focus: Would you like to plan your stay around the celebration, the history of the buildings and area, or a recreational interest? The places and activities differ considerably and can be included in your plans according to your interests.

Kamehameha Heritage and the Celebration

The original statue of King Kamehameha I stands in front of the North Kohala Civic Center in Kapaau. The statue's history includes two distinct stages: the original statue was recovered in 1912; the restored statue was then installed near Kamehameha's birthplace in Kapaau. Thus, both the history of the recovered statue and the restored statue's later location are part of the area's heritage.

The Kohala Kamehameha Day Celebration takes place in Kapaau every year on June 11. It begins with a sunrise ceremony and the placing of lei on the original statue by Native Hawaiian practitioners. The program also includes a two-mile floral parade featuring pāʻū princesses on horseback, floats, and marching groups. If the celebration is the reason for your trip, check the event details for the year in question, as organizers may change future arrangements.

Buildings with Distinct Historical Periods

The former A. Nanbu Hotel is a simplified Italianate-style building dating from around the turn of the century. It is one of the few surviving historic buildings in Kapaau's business district. Holy's Bakery was founded and built on the Nanbu Hotel property in 1932. This brings together two distinct historical dates: the construction of the former hotel around the turn of the century and the establishment of the bakery in 1932.

Another historical point of interest is the Father Elias Bond District. It includes a well-preserved homestead founded in 1841 by Boston missionary Reverend Elias Bond. The district also includes a church, whose exterior buildings were completed in 1855, and a school complex founded by Reverend Bond in 1872.

The years describe different events: for the homestead, they refer to its founding; for the church, to the completion of its exterior buildings; and for the school complex, to its founding. This distinction places the three historical sites in their respective time periods without assigning a single date to the entire complex.

Recreation and Excursion Planning

Kapaau is also home to two distinct recreational destinations. Roots Skate Park is located in Kamehameha Park. North Kohala Golf Park is also in Kapaau and is a 9-hole par-3 course. A skate park and a golf course therefore offer different interests to consider when planning your trip.

The routes are different, too: from Kapaʻau, take Highway 270 south to Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site. By contrast, the Kamehameha statue in Kapaau is a worthwhile stop on the route from Hāwī to the Pololū Valley Lookout. Depending on your itinerary, Kapaau can be a destination in its own right or a stop along the way.

The celebration takes place on June 11, while the area's history, Kamehameha heritage, golf, and skate park appeal to different interests. Consider which of these topics matter to you during your stay, and use them to guide your search for a hotel in Kapaau.

Discover more destinations: Fern Forest, Nanawale Estates, Waikoloa Village, Paauilo, Kalaoa, Captain Cook, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Eden Roc

For the broader travel guide: Hawaii.