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 in the annual King Kamehameha Day Parade .
The highlight of the parade, the beautiful 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, hula halau and more. Among the participants included the Royal Court, Daughters of Hawaii, 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 plenty of food plus dozens of vendors selling their crafts, apparel, and wares. Traditional-practitioner demonstrations were also featured. There was hula, slack key, ukulele and more.