Annual Veteran’s Day parade in Hilo to honor the past and inspire the future

Communities from across Hawaiʻi Island will unite on Saturday to honor those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and to commemorate service in all its forms at the 18th annual Hawaiʻi Island Veterans Day Parade in Hilo.

“The goal for the parade this year is to honor those who have served as well as the many ways we can all contribute to making our community stronger,” said Col. Deb Lewis, chair of the Veterans Day parade. “Together, we can inspire the next generation to lead with heart and service.”

This year’s grand marshal is Sgt. Jerry Chang, who served in the U.S. Army for three years. He is also being recognized for his lifetime of service as a Hawaiʻi state representative and community leader.

The parade will feature a wide variety of participants, including military units, local leaders, business and community floats, as well as the 142-year-old Hawaiʻi County Band and marching bands from Hawaiʻi Island schools. Taishoji Taiko will once again captivate audiences with their rhythmic drumming, closing the event with a powerful performance.

The Veterans Day parade also will recognize the contributions of Vibrant Hawaiʻi, a nonprofit working to take action and meet community needs, and Ken’s House of Pancakes, a beloved local business that has supported the parade over the years.

For some veterans and kūpuna, attending the parade this year will be much easier with the help of free transportation across the island.

“This is something we’ve wanted to do for a long time now and I’m so excited we could finally make it happen with the help from the county,” Lewis said. “This service ensures that those who have longed to participate in this celebration but couldn’t make it due to distance or transportation challenges, now have a way to join us.”

To register and reserve a spot, call 808-961-8777. Shuttle stops will be located at county facilities or senior centers across the island. Specific details, including pickup locations, times and waivers, will be provided to those who register.

The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. in downtown Hilo at the intersection of Piʻopiʻo and Pauahi streets, turns right on Kīlauea Avenue, then right onto Waiānuenue Avenue, and finally right onto Kamehameha Avenue.

After passing the large Hawaiian Electric flag and veterans with limited mobility at the tent area near the soccer fields, the parade will conclude back at Piʻopiʻo Street. Community members and visitors are encouraged to line the streets and cheer on participants as they pass by.

Attendees can expect to see several organizations display America250 flags and banners in anticipation of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026.

In 2023, Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green formally established the Hawaiʻi Semiquincentennial Commission, which is tasked with coordinating statewide efforts to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

To learn more about future programs and the mission, visit the Hawai‘i America250 Commission website.