Maui’s Nā Kamehameha Parade Honors Inouye and Akaka

Photo credit: Jackie Jean Photography.

By Wendy Osher

The upcoming Nā Kamehameha Commemorative Pāʻū Parade & Hoʻolauleʻa celebrates recently retired US Senator Daniel Akaka, and the late US Senator Daniel Inouye.

The two are being honored under the theme “Nā Pouhana,” which is figuratively translated as a support or mainstay, often in reference to family.

This year’s Parade Marshal will be representatives from Waiola Church in West Maui, who are celebrating 190 years of operation.

The event is held each year around the Kamehameha Day holiday in June, and honors the Kamehameha lineage.

This year’s event takes place on Saturday, June 15, and includes the following line-up:

8:30 a.m. Road Closure:

Front Street will be closed to traffic starting at Kenui Street at 8:30 a.m.

At 9 a.m., all subsequent cross-streets will be closed, including: Baker Street, Papalaua Street, Lahainaluna Road, Dickenson Street, and Prison Street.

Personnel from the Maui Police Department and community volunteers will be posted at each intersection to regulate the road closure.

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Hoʻolauleʻa, Kamehameha Iki Park:

The hoʻolauleʻa will include exhibits and tours by Kula Kaiapuni ma Nahiʻenaʻena, Friends of Mokuʻula, Hui O Waʻa Kaulua, a paʻu awards presentation (at 1:15 p.m.), food booths supporting community non-profits, Maui made crafters, lei Making by the Lahaina-Honolua Senior Citizens, and local entertainment.

Local live entertainment includes musical artists, hālau hula, and Polynesian dancing.

The festivities are scheduled to last until sunset. Admission is free.

9:45 a.m. Pāʻū Parade, Front Street:

The parade begins at Kenui Street and continues down Front Street to Shaw Street.

The parade showcases the art of pāʻū, a visual demonstration of Hawaiian equestrian styling. It is also an opportunity for community organizations to honor the Kamehameha lineage.

Parade highlights are narrated at seven commentary stations along the parade route including: Longhi’s, Kimo’s, Cheeseburger in Paradise, Lahaina Pizza Co., The Baldwin House Museum, The Wharf Cinema Center, and Entertainment Stage at Kamehameha Iki Park.

***Supporting information courtesy: Daryl Fujiwara, Planning Co-Chair for Nā Kamehameha Commemorative Pāʻū Parade & Hoʻolauleʻa.