New Route for King Kamehameha Day Parade

The annual King Kamehameha Day Celebration Parade will be held on June 9, 2018, in Historic Kailua Village.

Throughout the day, the  West Hawai‘i community will gather to honor the great ali‘i, King Kamehameha I, who established the first capital of the united Hawaiian Kingdom in Kailua-Kona at Kamakahonu.

This year’s parade theme is “Ka La Hiki Ola,” translated, “Dawn of a New Day.”

Adorned in the flowers and colors of the Hawaiian Islands, regal Pa‘u Rider Logopa‘u riders on horseback will represent each of the eight islands, led by their respective princesses and the pa‘u queen.

The floral parade will also feature hula hālau, equestrian units, marching bands, a horse-drawn carriage and more.

After the parade, attendees can enjoy a ho‘olaule‘a (music and art festival) at Hulihe‘e Palace, including a free concert featuring top Hawaiian recording artists.

Then take time to visit the many shops, galleries and historic landmarks of Historic Kailua Village.

The 2018 parade will take a route different this year; the parade will travel north to south through Historic Kailua Village. The parade begins near Old Airport on Kuakini Highway, traveling down Palani to the pier, then south on Ali‘i Drive through the village all the way to Walua Road by Royal Kona Resort.

Parade organizers have released a video that explains the route change.

Go to konaparade.org for additional details.

https://www.facebook.com/241567805981913/videos/1062977650507587/