Statue of Kamehameha I

Gold-cloaked statue of the king who united Hawaii, outside the old courthouse

The golden statue of Kamehameha the Great stands outside Ali'iolani Hale in downtown Honolulu, draped in a yellow feathered cloak and holding a spear. It is one of Honolulu's most recognisable landmarks and the standard reference point for the downtown historic district.

The statue was cast in Florence in 1880 — this is actually a replica, as the original was lost at sea en route and later recovered, now standing in the town of Kapaau on the Big Island near Kamehameha's birthplace. On Kamehameha Day (June 11th), the statue is draped in leis extending many metres in each direction — worth timing a visit around if possible.

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