2025 Nā Kamehameha Commemorative Pāʻū Parade awards; Hōʻolauleʻa highlights

The annual Nā Kamehameha Commemorative Pāʻū Parade and Hōʻolauleʻa returned to Central Maui on Saturday, June 21, 2025, with a vibrant celebration honoring aliʻi, culture and community. The celebration began with a parade that made its way down Kaʻahumanu Avenue from Mahalani Street to Kahului Beach Road, drawing crowds of spectators waving flags and lei.

Following the parade, festivities continued at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center until 5 p.m., featuring performances by Kaniala Masoe, 2024 Richard Hoʻopiʻi Falsetto Champion Antonio “Akoni” Robles & Friends, multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winner Mark Yamanaka, Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi, and Hālau Keʻala Kahinano O Puna.

The statewide 2025 theme, “E Hoʻomau – Celebrating Mary Kawena Pukui,” paid tribute to the legacy of one of Hawaiʻi’s most revered cultural treasures.

2025 Parade Awards:

• Walking/Marching Division:
  • 1st Place – Maui Music Mission
  • 2nd Place – Maui Health
  • 3rd Place – ILWU Local 142
• Decorated Vehicle / Float Division:
  • 1st Place – Makawao Stampede Queen’s Court
  • 2nd Place – King’s Maui ʻAha Pule
  • 3rd Place – Lahaina Hongwanji Mission
• The 2025 Pāʻū Court
  • Princess of Niʻihau – Christy Ann Makanalani Kajiwara Gusman
  • Princess of Maui – Shanamarae Kamealani Althea Latu Aheong
  • Princess of Molokaʻi – Noelani Keawe Aiko
  • Princess of Kahoʻolawe – Kalena Kawohikukapulani Young Hoʻopiʻi
  • Princess of Kauaʻi – Mary Ann Lehualani Kobatake
  • Princess of Lānaʻi – Leinaʻala Opunui Padelford
  • Princess of Oʻahu – Daphne Emmalani Lukela
  • Princess of Hawaiʻi Island – Tiara Perdido Ampong
• Perpetual Trophy 
  • Island of Hawaiʻi 
• Outstanding Pāʻu Unit
  • 1st Place – Hawaiʻi
  • 2nd Place – Oʻahu
  • 3rd Place – Kauaʻi
• Pāʻū Princess
  • 1st Palce – Hawaiʻi
  • 2nd Place – Oʻahu
  • 3rd Place – Lānaʻi
• Pooper Scooper
  • 1st Place – Lānaʻi
  • 2nd Place – Hawaiʻi 
  • 3rd Place – Kauaʻi

Special thanks was extended to:

• Roving Marshals: Peter Klein, Kathleen Birmingham and Garrett Montalvo
• Supporters: Circle M Ranch; Committee: Kimo Lum, Gena Lay Rickard, Kathleen Birmingham, and Moanikeala Whittle-Wagner, Maui Commissioner

“The quality of this year’s parade entrants and pāʻū units was truly elevated. The riders showed excellent control, and the decorated vehicles and floats were adorned with beautiful floral displays. Many who entered last year with a simple truck upgraded to large trailers this year—it was incredible to see the growth. It’s always beautiful to witness our community come together in this way. I look forward to seeing what everyone comes up with next year,” said Daryl Fujiwara, Parade Coordinator.

Enjoy the parade and ho‘olaule‘a footage on Facebook at: facebook.com/nkcpph.

Event organizers also thanked the County of Maui – Office of Economic Development, Kilohana by CNHA, Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, Pacific Media Group and KPOA 93.5FM, the Lahaina Hawaiian Civic Club, Central Maui Hawaiian Civic Club, Hertz Car Rental, Kalei’s Lunchbox, Festivals of Aloha, Queen Kaʻahumanu Center, Karey Kapoi LLC., Office of Hawaiian Affairs and KS Kaiaulu.