Behold the King Kamehameha the Great Statue. Its bronze gleam catches the Hawaiian sun. This isn’t just a statue. It’s a story etched in brass. A story of survival shipwrecks and unwavering determination.
This magnificent statue stands as a testament to Kamehameha I the ruler who unified the Hawaiian Islands in the early nineteenth century. He established the Kingdom of Hawai’i in 1810. The statue itself is a remarkable piece of history. It’s the second cast of a series. The original was lost at sea. Then miraculously recovered. The second cast arrived in Honolulu in 1883. Its unveiling celebrated King David Kalakaua’s coronation.
The statue’s creation began in 1878. Walter M Gibson a member of the Hawaiian legislature commissioned it. The project was meant to commemorate Captain James Cook’s arrival. American artist Thomas Ridgeway Gould was selected. He finished a plaster model in 1880. The model was sent to Paris to be cast in brass. Tragedy struck when the ship carrying the first cast sank. The second cast though was made from the insurance money. It’s this replacement that stands before us today.
Notice the details. The dark brown patina. The gilded garments. They represent Kamehameha I’s regal attire. The four bas-relief panels on the statue’s plinth depict scenes from his life. These scenes though are somewhat romanticized. Their historical accuracy is debatable. Gould himself unfortunately died before completing all the panels. His son finished the work.
The statue became a powerful symbol. It’s featured on the Hawaiian state seal and the logo of Kamehameha Schools. It even inspired a third cast. This one resides in the US Capitol Building. It’s a lasting tribute to Hawai’i’s statehood. The statue’s popularity continues. Its image graces souvenirs postcards and countless other items.
Every year on June 11th Kamehameha Day this statue is draped in long leis. It’s a moving ceremony honoring the king and his accomplishments. The King Kamehameha the Great Statue stands not just as a monument. It embodies the spirit of a great leader and the enduring legacy of Hawai’i. Take a moment to appreciate this powerful symbol of Hawaiian culture and history.