On Kamehameha Day, June 11th, traffic stops between Hawi and Kapa'au at 9 a.m. for a colorful floral parade. the parade is led by a Grand Marshal, followed by the Pa'u Marshal, Descendant of Kamehameha, Aloha Ambassador, floral floats, and elegant Pa'u riders.

Since early in the century, Pa'u riders have brought a uniquely Hawaiian grace and beaeuty to Kamehameha Day parades, with a Pa'u queen in regal colors leading the way. Behind her ride princesses for each island, wearing appropriate colors and flowers, accompanied by a Pa'u unit including pages, attendants, outriders, and a pooper-scooper unit.

The parade route from Hawi to Kapa'au takes riders down Akoni Pule Highway to the statue to offer ho'okupu (a ceremonial gift as a sign of honor and respect) to King Kamehameha I, then to Kamehameha Park.

This year's parade will include paso finos horses and floats from the Kohala Lions Club, the Hawai'i Community Federal Credit Union, Kohala National Guard alumni, Big Island Ecotourism and Luke's Place, and the North Kohala Community Resource Center.

Well before dawn on Kamehameha Day, dedicated women will gather to make their final preparations as Pa'u riders in the floral parade. Each will be wrapped in 12 yards of brightly-colored material, secured with a kukui nut, to create the flowing, culottes-style Pa'u skirt that was designed in the 19th century to allow a woman to ride astride her horse with modesty and formal dignity.

Since they frequently rode in mud, through streams, and over rough lava fields, riding sidesaddle made no sense to Hawai'i horsewomen. Pa'u skirts could be worn for dress-up or everyday chores, and the formal version continues to be displayed on special occasions today.

Before parade day, the Pa'u riders practice with their horses, prepare costumes, gather flowers, and spend a full week creating elaborate neck lei for each horse along with fresh lei from island-appropriate flowers for all riders in their equestrian unit. In North Kohala, Pa'u riders assemble their riding units, outfits, and lei without corporate support. Life sharing beloved secret recipes, through the years Kohala residents with experience have passed on their skills at making the various lei and costume pieces, and maneuvering the horses in a crowd.

This year's Pa'u princesses are: Verna Fernandez (Hawai'i); Kristin Jardine (Mau'i); Shelby K. Fernandez (Lana'i); Brendalynn Fong (Kaho'olawe); Caryn Villacorte (Moloka'i); Puanani Tayan-Smith (O'ahu); Hualalai Carvalho (Kaua'i); and Debbie Iwalani Davis (Ni'ihau).

For the first time, this year's floral parade will feature a keiki riding unit featuring experienced horsewomen between the ages of 9 and 15. The keiki princesses are: Jennyjin Fong (Hawai'i); Anaiyah Tabiolo (Mau'i); Nahenani Tachera (Lana'i); Brittany Shimono (Kaho'olawe); Sovana Rath (Moloka'i); Kamehana Tachera (O'ahu); Tepy Rath (Kaua'i); and Saravady Rath (Ni'ihau). The keiki unit's banner will be carried by young horsemen Railen Ching, Zyan Caravalho, and Dawstin Ho'opai.

This year's parade queen is 11-year-old rodeo competitor Deveny Rapozo.


Kamehameha Day in North Kohala: All-day festivities, all events free, always on June 11th.