A Float Fit for a King: Starwood Maui Celebrates King Kamehameha V

[flashvideo file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ux0m2rf67p4 /] By Maui Now Staff

In honor of King Kamehameha, guests and associates of Starwood Maui today presented an ‘Iolani Palace-inspired float at the Nā Kamehameha Pā‘ū Parade and Ho‘olaule‘a in Lāhainā.

The theme of this year’s event, “E ola ka Mōʻī Kamehameha ʻElima,” honored the 150th Anniversary of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I.  Aligned with this year’s parade theme, the float honored both King Kamehameha V and the Royal Order of Kamehameha.

In honor of King Kamehameha, guests and associates of Starwood Maui today presented an ‘Iolani Palace-inspired float at the Nā Kamehameha Pā‘ū Parade and Ho‘olaule‘a in Lāhainā. Courtesy photo.

“Our kuleana, all of us, as members of this community, is to honor our culture and ensure its legacy by sharing it with others,” said Makalapua Kanuha, director of culture at The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas, who spearheaded Starwood Maui’s parade collaboration.

In a press release, Kanuha said, “Our Starwood Maui properties are in a great position to fulfill this responsibility, not only by sharing Maui’s and Hawai‘i’s culture with our guests, but by encouraging our associates to live it through experiences like today’s Nā Kamehameha Pā‘ū Parade and Ho‘olaule‘a.”

Led by Kanuha, each Starwood Maui property, which includes The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa and the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, contributed in a unique way.

In honor of King Kamehameha, guests and associates of Starwood Maui today presented an ‘Iolani Palace-inspired float at the Nā Kamehameha Pā‘ū Parade and Ho‘olaule‘a in Lāhainā. Courtesy photo.

The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas developed the concept for the float, ‘Iolani Palace, and created a culturally-rich experience by recruiting associates to dance hula and play music on the float.

The engineering team at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, led by Daven Arcangel, took a flatbed truck and constructed a replica of ‘Iolani Palace with attention to detail, including the royal coat of arms.

Engineers at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa also participated in the construction of the float by building a model of the palace gate.

All three Starwood Maui properties invited guests and associates to participate on parade day.

Nā Kamehameha Pā‘ū Parade and Ho‘olaule‘a is held each year in conjunction with the Kamehameha Day holiday that commemorates the life of Kamehameha the Great, who is credited with the unification of islands under one rule.  The event pays tribute to the entire Kamehameha line.