Holiday — and service — spirit on full display in Hilo

Hilo’s holiday spirit was on full display the last Saturday in November as nearly 70 community groups, organizations, businesses and others participated and thousands watched during the 2024 Downtown Hilo Christmas Lights Parade.

Dr. Lori Inouye-Yamashita was this year’s grand marshal, honored for her outstanding contributions and dedication to the community.

Inouye-Yamashita, who was born and raised on O‘ahu, practiced medicine more than 30 years before retiring in 2021 as an obstetrics and gynecology specialist at Kaiser Permanente Hawai‘i.

She now spends most of her time doing community service. She is a member of the District 50 Hawai‘i Lions and this years district governor.

“I am very honored to be a grand marshal at this parade,” said Inouye-Yamashita. “I am representing the District 50 Hawai‘i Lions. We have many wonderful volunteers who serve their communities with caring and giving hearts.”

Volunteering has always been a part of her life. She started at 12 years old as a hospital volunteer.

It’s volunteering and community service that led her to become a Lion.

A Girl Scout leader since 1997 and volunteer for many other community events through the years, she joined the Lions in 2015. Giving back to the community is what motivates Inouye-Yamashita.

She enjoyed most experincing the holiday spirit from the Lions and community perspectives during this year’s Christmas parade.

“This is a special time of year, and it is wonderful to celebrate it with people of Hawai‘i,” Inouye-Yamashita said.

The annual merry march, presented by the East Hawai‘i Lions Clubs, emblazened Downtown Hilo as the young and young‐at‐heart smiled, waved, sang and showed their aloha as floats, marching bands, lighted trucks and cars made their way through town.

Community votes were tallied for this year’s parade awards, too.

“We are excited to share the results from a wide variety of entries, including local marching bands, car enthusiasts, businesses and community organizations,” announced parade coordinator Nathan Tajon.

This year’s winners are:

• Kaiaulu Award (“People’s Choice): AVIS Car Rental.
• Menehune Magic Award (Best entry featuring children): AVIS Car Rental.
• Holiday Mele Award (Best musical performance): Hilo High School Viking Band.
• Festive Trooper Award (Best marching or walking unit): Hawai‘i Community College.
• Shakalikimaka Award (Most “spirited” participants): Hawai‘i Community Federal Credit Union.
• Winter Buggy Award (Best display on wheels): Truck Gang Hawai‘i x Lowyo.
• Fruitcake Award (Most uniquely humorous display): Adult Foster Homecare Association of Hawai‘i.

“We’re so honored to be able to bring this holiday tradition … to our community again this year,” said Tajon. “We are excited to see everyone again on Nov. 29, 2025!”

Visit the Downtown Hilo Christmas Light Parade website or follow the parade on Facebook and Instagram for more information.