King Kamehameha Statue Honolulu
A majestic 18-foot bronze statue honoring King Kamehameha I, the unifier of the Hawaiian Islands, located in historic downtown Honolulu.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
King Kamehameha Statue Honolulu
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A majestic 18-foot bronze statue honoring King Kamehameha I, the unifier of the Hawaiian Islands, located in historic downtown Honolulu.
"It's a must stop to see the statue and surrounding landscape of native Hawaiian trees and palms."
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Stand across from Iolani Palace for the best King Kamehameha Statue photos.
📅 Special Lei Day
Visit on June 11th for King Kamehameha Day celebrations with flower leis.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Bronze Statue
Downtown Honolulu
An 18-foot bronze masterpiece honoring the king who united the Hawaiian Islands.
Iconic Photo Opportunity
Across from Iolani Palace
Capture a memorable shot with the statue and the historic palace as your backdrop.
King Kamehameha Day Celebration
All four statue locations
Witness the draping of the statues with flower leis on June 11th to honor the king.
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Location & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Stand across from Iolani Palace for the best King Kamehameha Statue photos.
📅 Special Lei Day
Visit on June 11th for King Kamehameha Day celebrations with flower leis.
🚶♂️ Explore Downtown
Combine your visit with Iolani Palace and the State Capitol for a historic walk.
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be tricky; consider a tour or using a map to find the small lot.
Time inquiry for Bishop Museum/‘Iolani? Recommendations requested
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Stand across from Iolani Palace for the best King Kamehameha Statue photos.
📅 Special Lei Day
Visit on June 11th for King Kamehameha Day celebrations with flower leis.
🚶♂️ Explore Downtown
Combine your visit with Iolani Palace and the State Capitol for a historic walk.
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be tricky; consider a tour or using a map to find the small lot.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the King Kamehameha Statue as an iconic and historically significant landmark in Honolulu. Many appreciate its artistic merit and its prominent location across from Iolani Palace, making it a must-see for understanding Hawaiian history. While parking can be a minor challenge, the overall experience is highly positive, with many recommending it as a key stop on any tour of the city.
"Lovely artistic work of art depicting Honolulu’s King Kamehameha. Gold and black standing proudly is the king across the street from the great palace and Hawaii’s United States Customs and Courthouse. Located in the heart of the business downtown district. It’s a must stop to see the statue and surrounding landscape of native Hawaiian trees and palms."
mack smith
"It was so cool to see the Famous King Kamehameha statue in Honolulu! It was a little tricky to find when we tried going by memory of it's location, but once we used the map, we found it with no problem. The turn in is to a small thru parking lot. We just hopped out to quickly take some pictures, but there appeared to be lots of interesting activities to do in the area."
Kristen Repa
"This is history Hawaii's history and if you're torn to see the history this is a nice place to see. It's right in the downtown area so it's not hard to miss parking is not bad all the buses tour buses seem to stop there yes it is something you should see and say you've been there and done that"
Rahn Monrea'L
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The King Kamehameha Statue is located in downtown Honolulu, across from Iolani Palace. It's easily accessible by car, public transport, or as part of many guided tours. If driving, parking can be found in nearby lots, though it might be a bit challenging during peak hours.
Yes, the King Kamehameha Statue is a short drive or bus ride from Waikiki. The Waikiki Trolley's Red Line makes it a convenient stop on its route, making it easy to visit from your hotel.
Walking is a great way to explore downtown Honolulu and see the King Kamehameha Statue along with other historical sites like Iolani Palace and the State Capitol.
Yes, TheBus, Honolulu's public bus system, has numerous routes that stop in the downtown area, making it easy to reach the King Kamehameha Statue.
While the statue is prominent, finding parking can be a bit tricky. Using a GPS or map is recommended, and look for the small through-parking lot nearby.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, viewing the King Kamehameha Statue is free and open to the public. It's an outdoor monument that can be admired at any time.
The statue is a public monument, so you can visit it at any time of day or night. However, for the best experience and safety, daytime visits are recommended.
There is no admission fee to see or take photos with the King Kamehameha Statue. It's a free historical landmark.
Absolutely! Many historical tours of Honolulu include a stop at the King Kamehameha Statue, often combined with Iolani Palace and other downtown attractions.
Yes, on King Kamehameha Day (June 11th), the statue is draped with flower leis in a special ceremony celebrating Hawaiian history.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, making them ideal for photography. The golden hour before sunset can create beautiful shots.
For iconic shots, position yourself across the street, with Iolani Palace in the background. This provides a classic and historically rich composition.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to take photos with the statue. It's a popular spot for memorable vacation pictures.
Generally, there are no restrictions on personal photography at the King Kamehameha Statue itself. However, be mindful of other visitors and any ongoing events.
The statue is surrounded by significant landmarks, including Iolani Palace, the Hawaii State Capitol, and Washington Place, offering many photographic opportunities.
🎫 🏛️ Nearby Attractions
The King Kamehameha Statue is in the heart of Honolulu's historic district. You can easily visit Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the U.S., the Hawaii State Capitol building with its unique architecture, and Washington Place, the governor's residence.
A visit to Iolani Palace typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours for a guided tour, which is highly recommended to fully appreciate its history and significance.
Yes, Downtown Honolulu is definitely worth visiting, especially if you're interested in history and architecture. The King Kamehameha Statue, Iolani Palace, and the State Capitol complex offer a rich historical experience.
The Hawaii State Capitol building's architecture is designed to evoke Hawaiian natural elements, with its central courtyard representing the volcano caldera and columns symbolizing palm trees.
Yes, downtown Honolulu offers various dining options, from casual eateries to more formal restaurants. Grabbing lunch in the area is a good way to experience local flavors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of King Kamehameha I
Dedicated in 1883, the statue was originally commissioned for the coronation of King Kalākaua but was lost at sea during transit and later recovered. It was eventually placed in its current prominent location, facing the historic Iolani Palace, the seat of Hawaiian royalty. This placement underscores the importance of Kamehameha I's reign and his role in shaping the Hawaiian nation. Visitors often feel a sense of awe and connection to history when standing before this iconic monument.
Beyond its historical significance, the statue is a focal point for cultural events. Most notably, on King Kamehameha Day (June 11th), all four statues of King Kamehameha across the islands, including this one, are draped with elaborate flower leis. This tradition honors his memory and celebrates Hawaiian heritage, drawing crowds and creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Exploring Historic Downtown Honolulu
Just a short walk away, you'll find Washington Place, the former official residence of Hawaiian royalty and governors, and Honolulu Hale (City Hall), an impressive example of Beaux-Arts architecture. The area also houses the Hawaii State Judiciary Building, which often features exhibits and artifacts related to Hawaiian history. This concentration of landmarks makes downtown Honolulu a must-visit for anyone interested in the islands' past.
Many visitors find that combining a visit to the King Kamehameha Statue with these nearby attractions provides a comprehensive understanding of Hawaii's journey from a sovereign kingdom to a U.S. state. It’s an area where history comes alive, offering a rich tapestry of stories and architectural marvels.
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