Description:

If you are staying at Holualoa Inn or anywhere on Hawaii’s Big Island this week, you are in luck as June 11 is King Kamehameha Day! It is a public holiday, offering you the unique opportunity to attend one of Hawaii’s most colorful events-The King Kamehameha Parade. Hawaiians from all 8 islands gather to celebrate their first monarch and founder of the Kingdom of Hawaii.  Stunning “Pa’u riders” in their finest gowns, along with their horses, are draped from head to tail with intricate handmade leis. Each island’s colors are represented as the riders vie for the title of Pa’u Queen.

Kapa’au, on the northern tip of the Big Island, is the birthplace of King Kamehameha and  home to the original King Kamehameha statue; the second replica stands in  Honolulu. The traditional floral parade also includes marching bands, hula halau performances and more! This event is a must see for anyone visiting Hawaii. If are staying in the Kona area and cannot make the one hour trip to the North Kohala celebration, enjoy the festivities in Kailua-Kona, where the King established The Hawaiian Kingdom’s first capital.

Enjoy this special time on the Kona Coast.

June 11 9:00a.m. Parade Starts in Hawi ending in Kapa’au at King Kamehameha Statue for lei ceremony (approx 10:30). Celebrations continue throughout the day at King Kamehameha park.

June 14 9:00a.m., Parade begins at Royal Kona Hotel, proceeding down Ali’i drive, turning up Palani drive ending at Kuakini Highway. Festivities will continue throughout the day at the Courtyard King Kamehameha Hotel.