152nd King Kamehameha Day Celebration-King’s Parade & Ho’olaule’a

Plan on attending one of the most colorful and special parades on June 15th in honor of Hawaii’s King Kamehameha, from 9 to 2pm in Lihue. Pa‘u units including the queen and her entourage of princesses are wahine (women) wearing long, colorful skirts called pa‘u. The wahine characteristically ride astride rather than sidesaddle, which stems from the early 19th century when horses were introduced to Hawaii and ali‘i (royalty) women dressed up to ride for formal occasions. The riders participated in performances and displays, the outfits became more elaborate. Other mounted units and displays are included in the parade

The long, colorful skirts are usually of the color of the Hawaiian Islands the rider represents.  Red, or ʻulaʻula, is the color of the Island of Hawaiʻi, nicknamed the Big Island. The ʻŌhiʻa Lehua is their flower.  Pink, or ʻākala, is Maui’s color. Nicknamed the Valley Isle, their flower is the Lokelani Rose.  Gray, or ʻāhinahina, is associated with Kahoʻolawe nicknamed the Target Isle. Hinahina is their designated plant.  Orange, or ʻalani, is for Lānaʻi nicknamed the Pineapple Isle. Their lei material is the Kaunaʻoa vine.  Green, or ʻōmaomao, is the color of Molokaʻi whose nickname is the Friendly Isle. Their flower is that of the Kukui tree.  Yellow, or melemele, represents the island of Oʻahu nicknamed the Gathering Place. The ʻIlima is their flower.  The color purple, or poni, is for Kauaʻi nicknamed the Garden Isle. Their lei material is the Mokihana berry.  And white, or keʻokeʻo, is the color for the Forbidden Isle, or Niʻihau. Uniquely, their lei material is the Niʻihau shell.

This year is the 16th anniversary of the Kings Parade.  Pau riders wear special flowers and leis, along with special dresses flowing off the back of the horse. Horses also are decorated with stunning lei configurations and flowers intertwined into manes and tails. This parade is a sight to behold and shouldn’t be missed.

Route road closure starts at 8:30 a.m.  The Parade starts from Vidinha Stadium at 9 a.m. and ends at the Historic Kauai County Building. Bring your own lawn chair, umbrella and aloha!