King Kamehameha Day Celebration Parade in Kailua-Kona, 2024
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Featuring more than 100 riders on horseback, the 2024 King Kamehameha Day Celebration Parade takes place in Historic Kailua Village on Saturday, June 8, 2024. The parade begins at 9 a.m. at the Kuakini Hwy. near the Palani intersection, and travels down Palani past the pier, then southbound down Ali‘i Drive through Historic Kailua Village to Royal Kona Resort.
The highlight of the parade, the beautiful pa‘u riders on horseback will showcase the flora and colors of the eight Hawaiian Islands. The island units will be led by the Pa‘u Queen and her equestrian unit. Parade participants will include at least 100 riders on horseback, as well as decorated floats, horse-drawn carriages, marching bands, equestrian units, hula halau and more. Among the participants will include the Royal Court, Daughters of Hawai‘i, Calabash Cousins, the Queen Ka‘ahumanu Society, Royal Order of Kamehameha, and the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission.
After the parade, a ho‘olaule‘a (Hawaiian music and art festival) will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hulihe‘e Palace in Historic Kailua Village. (Craft and food vendors will also be open during the parade). The festival will feature food vendors, hula, cultural practitioners, Hawaiian crafts, Royal Court, live music, and a silent auction.
King Kamehameha I, resided at his royal compound in Historic Kailua Village during the final years of his life. The reconstructed temple (heiau) near where he passed away overlooks Kailua Bay at the pier at the royal Kamakahonu compound, which is the first capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom. History comes alive throughout Historic Kailua Village, where one of only three royal palaces in the United States exist.
Bring your camera for the most amazing photo opportunities of the year as the regal pa‘u princesses and queen travel by horseback wearing traditional Hawaiian equestrian attire featuring flowing fabric garments and gorgeous lei for horses and riders. Enjoy the many shops and restaurants of Historic Kailua Village. The village will be brimming with activity, as the annual outrigger canoe regatta will also be taking place during the day at the pier.
Parking can be found throughout town. Visit KonaParade.org for information about where to park.
(Note to editors: the word pa‘u must retain the okina (punctuation), otherwise, it changes the literal meaning of the word.)
