Sunrise ceremony commemorates 200th anniversary of King Kamehameha I's death

KAILUA-KONA — As light started to flood the grounds of Ahuena Heiau on Wednesday morning at Kamakahonu Bay, the only sounds heard were the songs of birds in the trees and the crash of waves against volcanic rock.

When the clock struck 6:30 a.m., right as the sun broke over the top of Hualalai, the silence in the crowd at the sacred sight was broken, too.

Kumu Keala Ching started the chant “E Ala E,” and he led a crowd of Hawaiian cultural groups and bystanders to greet the sunrise and begin the giving of hookupu, or gifts, to remember one of the great Hawaiian leaders.

The ceremony commemorated the 200th anniversary of the death of King Kamehameha I. It was marked by a crowd of more than 100, who started a procession while the stars still shined and most of Kailua-Kona slept, from Hale Halawai on Alii Drive to the grounds of Ahuena Heiau.

Read more: https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2019/05/10/features/sunrise-ceremony-commemorates-200th-anniversary-of-king-kamehameha-is-death/