Located in King Kalakaua Park in Hilo, this bronze statue is positioned at the center of the park. The statue of Hawaii’s seventh and last king of Hawaii faces makai or toward the waters of Hilo Bay. Kalakaua is affectionately known as the Merrie Monarch and honored each year at the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo.
The kalo or taro plant is positioned to his right memorializing his dedication to the very soul of the Hawaiian people and land. He holds a ipu heke, a Hawaiian musical instrument that underscores his dedication to Hawaiian song and dance.
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Solar Eclipse Time Capsule
Placed under the large banyan tree at King Kalakaua Park, this time capsule was placed during the ...