Kona loves a parade, and on Saturday spectators were treated to a plethora of floral arrangements adorning horses and their riders along with other participants during the annual King Kamehameha Day Parade.
Kona loves a parade, and on Saturday spectators were treated to a plethora of floral arrangements adorning horses and their riders along with other participants during the annual King Kamehameha Day Parade.
The highlight of the parade, the pa‘u riders on horseback, showcased the flora and colors of the eight Hawaiian Islands.
The island units
were led by the Pa‘u Queen and her equestrian unit.
Parade participants included at least 100 riders on horseback, as well as decorated floats, horse-drawn carriages, the county band, equestrian units and hula halau.
Others included the Royal Court, Daughters of Hawaii and the Royal Order of Kamehameha.
This year’s Grand Marshal was Lale Kam, a longtime Daughter of Hawaii revered for her talent as a Hawaiian musician, dancer and kumu.
Following the parade, festivities continued at Hulihe‘e Palace in Historic Kailua Village. The Hawaiian music and art festival featured food, dozens of vendors, traditional-practitioner demonstrations and plenty of entertainment.
