Original Kamehameha statue in Kapaʻau, North Kohala

The Survivor King

The True Story of the Original Kamehameha Statue in Kapaʻau

Written by a Local Expert

The Survivor King: An Introduction to Kohala's Storied Statue

Most visitors to Hawaiʻi snap their photos with a king in Honolulu. They stand before a golden bronze figure that has become world famous. But the king they truly seek stands quietly in the small town of Kapaʻau. He watches over his sacred birthplace in North Kohala. This is the real Kamehameha statue. Its story is as amazing as the chief it honors.

I've visited this statue countless times with my keiki. Each visit fills me with the same sense of awe. This isn't just another tourist stop. It's a place where history comes alive. The painted king of Kapaʻau has survived shipwreck, saltwater, and time itself.

The Kapaʻau statue tells an impossible story. It was the very first statue made to honor Kamehameha the Great. Crafted in Europe, it was meant for the capital city. But a terrible shipwreck off the Falkland Islands nearly lost it forever. It sank to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.

The painted Kamehameha statue in Kapaʻau with vibrant colors - rich brown skin, brilliant yellow feather cloak, and red sash - standing in front of the North Kohala Civic Center

While the original lay underwater, a second statue was cast from the same mold. This replica now stands in front of Aliʻiōlani Hale in Honolulu. It's the most photographed statue in Hawaiʻi. But the original was saved by local fishermen. It found its way home to the land that shaped the king himself.

When you visit the Kapaʻau statue, you're not just taking photos. You're making a pilgrimage to a place of deep meaning. This statue connects us to our monarchy's past. It shows how a community cares for its aliʻi.

🏛️ Historical Significance

The original statue from 1878, lost at sea and miraculously recovered. It represents the incredible journey from European foundry to sacred Hawaiian soil.

🎨 Living Tradition

The only painted Kamehameha statue in the world, lovingly maintained by the Kohala community who chose to honor their heritage their own way.

Ready to Meet the Real King?

Explore the complete story of this remarkable statue through our comprehensive guide, from its incredible shipwreck survival to today's vibrant celebration of Hawaiian culture.

Discover the History