Tag Archives: King Kamehameha

Red, white, and blue, and yellow, too

The statue of Kamehameha 1 at Kapaau, Hawaii.

This week’s Sunday Stills color challenge theme is ‘Red, White, & Blue.’ See more responses here.

Yesterday marked the 250th anniversary of Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America. This photo encompasses some of how Hawaii came to be part of this nation.

The statue is of King Kamehameha 1. He was born in Kohala and was the Aliʻi (chief) who, in 1795, united all the Hawaiian islands under one ruler. This rule, under him and his successors, lasted until 1893. It was overthrown in a coup by the ‘Committee of Safety,’ who were mostly of U.S. descent, and supported by the U.S. military. The Committee declared a Republic of Hawaii with the intent of having the U.S. taking over, which it duly did in 1898. It remained a territory of the U.S. until August 21, 1959 when it became the 50th state.

The flag on the left is the USA’s stars and stripes. On the right is Hawaii’s state flag, featuring the British Union Jack in the top corner. That’s there because of the British influence with the Hawaiian royalty. This dates back to Captain James Cook, who was the first European to make contact with the Hawaiians. Subsequently, British advisors and support helped the Hawaiian Kingdom come about and survive. There’s a story that in 1812, when the U.S. and Britain were at war, King Kamehameha designed this flag with elements of both nations’ flags, so as not to offend either. Alas, there’s no evidence for this assertion!

So how do Hawaiians feel about celebrating July 4th? Well, I’m not Hawaiian, but any day that’s a public holiday is welcomed, and any excuse to set off fireworks is popular too, though it was surprisingly quiet here last night! I know some Hawaiians who served in the U.S. military who are proud of being part of the U.S.. I also know there are others who want to see Hawaii restored as an independent nation. No doubt, there are many in between. However, I don’t expect to see the return of the Hawaiian Kingdom any time soon.

The Numbers Game #122

Opening ceremonies at the Kamehameha Day Parade in Kapaau, Hawaii — Opening ceremonies at the Kamehameha Day Parade in Kapaau.

The idea of The Numbers Game is to enter a number into the search bar of your computer and then post a selection of the photos that turn up. This week’s number is 244. Captions are on the photos. You can see more responses here.

A Ruddy Turnstone on the coast in Hawaii — A Ruddy Turnstone on the coast.

A Green Turtle on the rocks in Hawaii — A Ruddy Turnstone on the coast.

This bench is one of two on the summit of Puu Waawaa, and this is the view looking north toward the coast and the Kohala mountains. — View from Pu’u Wa’awa’a looking north toward the coast and the Kohala mountains.

A Hawaiian zebra blennie in a tide pool on the Big Island — View from Pu’u Wa’awa’a looking north toward the coast and the Kohala mountains.

The Numbers Game #116

Telescopes seen from the trail to Mauna Kea summit in Hawaii — Telescopes on Mauna Kea seen from the trail to the summit.

The idea of The Numbers Game is to enter a number into the search bar of your computer and then post a selection of the photos that turn up. This week’s number is 238. Captions are on the photos. You can see more responses here.

Maui Pau rider decorations — A rider in the Kamehameha Day parade at Kapaau.

People descend to the green sand beach near South Point in Hawaii — A rider in the Kamehameha Day parade at Kapaau.

A Konane game board at Lapakahi, Hawaii — A Kōnane game board at Lapakahi.

Morning dew on grass in Hawaii — A Kōnane game board at Lapakahi.

Metalwork

I saw this metal art piece in Kapaau, tucked away behind the King Kamehameha statue. Have to say I have mixed feelings about this one!

Pretty in pink

A Pink container in Hawaii — This shipping container, parked in Kawaihae, isn’t likely to blend into the background.

This week’s Sunday Stills color challenge theme is ‘Pink.’ See more responses here.

Maiapilo flowers in Hawaii — Maiapilo flowers are white when they bloom but turn to pink within 24 hours as they fade.

A rider in the Kamehameha Day Parade in North Kohala, Hawaii — Maiapilo flowers are white when they bloom but turn to pink within 24 hours as they fade.

A Pink Ginger in Hawaii — A pink ginger.

A Bee on pinkhead smartweed in Hawaii — A pink ginger.

The Numbers Game #69

Clouds fill the saddle between Mauna Kea and Hualalai.

The idea of The Numbers Game is to enter a number into the search bar of your computer and then post a selection of the photos that turn up. This week’s number is 190. Captions are on the photos. You can see more responses here.

King Kamehameha's statue in Kapaau, is draped in leis on Kamehameha Day. — A wasp working on a nest.

A pair of Threadfin Jack juveniles swim in the waters off the Big Island of Hawaii — A pair of juvenile Threadfin Jacks.

Kamehameha Park playground

A new playground at Kamehameha Park in Kapaau, Hawaii

There’s a new playground in town, specifically at Kamehameha Park in Kapa’au. The official opening is Saturday, but I took a sneak peek yesterday.

The playground was surrounded by orange tape so I couldn’t get a close look, but my first impression was that I was glad I wasn’t a kid anymore. I didn’t see a thing I’d know what to do with! The story that alerted me to the new playground noted it “features new tactile and interactive elements, challenging climbing structures, and various spinners and swings.” Some of the pieces looked like things that could cause a good deal of pain. Others suggested it would be handy to have a jaws-of-life nearby.

No, if I was a kid I’d probably end up sitting on the ground, rubbing my arm against the synthetic turf, to see how long it took before I caught fire.

Posted for Bushboy’s Last on the Card (top photo). See more responses here.

Wax Begonia

Wax Begonia flowers in Kapaau, close to the statue of King Kamehameha I.

Graham's Island

Life on the Big Island of Hawaii