This year’s parade will feature a never-before-seen pa‘u demonstration.

WAILUKU — The 2021 Naā Kamehameha Commemorative Pa’u Parade and Ho’olaule’a is going virtual. The event features pre-recorded content that will air Saturday, June 19, on Facebook LIVE at www.facebook.com/nkcpph.

The pa’u parade airs first at 9 a.m. and will showcase Maui businesses and non-profits. Among them are programs that enter the Lahaina parade annually.

Mixed with the pa’u riders, the virtual program allows for deeper sharing.

This year’s parade will feature a never-before-seen pa’u demonstration. Typically, pa’u princesses compete by exhibiting Western styles of horsemanship with the goal of accruing the most points. The winner gets to pick which island they want to ride first. The virtual ho’olaule’a follows at 12 p.m.

“When you go to a ho’olaule’a, you hit the crafters, and when you are pau shopping, grab your plate lunch and go listen to the music. So in our virtual ho’olaule’a, you are going to get to experience all of that,” said event Coordinator Daryl Fujiwara.

You’ll learn to cook healthy with Maui Health’s Kula Hospital, make a craft with Kumu Hula Cody Pueo Pata and enjoy entertainment by award-winning singer and Kumu Hula Kamaka Kukona, Halau O Ka Hanu Lehua and Ka Pilina — fresh off of their CD debut and nominations for Most Promising Artists of Year, Hawaiian Music Album of the Year and Hawaiian Language Performance of the Year for this year’s Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.

“Everyone has worked so hard, especially the video production crew. I want to say going virtual is harder than throwing our in-person parade and ho’olaule’a. We had to shoot on multiple days at different locations, hoping for no background noise or wind, chasing sunlight and clouds. It’s a whole other kind of coordination,” Fujiwara explained.

“We’re excited for all of you to see and learn about our Maui Nui through these video presentations.”

Mauiʻs 2021 Na Kamehameha Commemorative Pa’u Court consists of: Pa’u Marshal Page Wilford Souza; Pa’u Marshal Peter Klein; Hawaii Page Kapena Kamai Jr.; Hawaii Princess Tehani Cabanilla-Aricayos; Kahoolawe Page Lokepa Cabanilla-Aricayos; Kahoolawe Princess Tamara Cabanilla Aricayos; Maui Page Samantha Lee Lepeka Hara Perdido; Maui Princess Tiara “Tia” Perdido Ampong; Niihau Page Nicole Rockett; Niihau Princess Charlene Lehua Butchart; Lanai Page Leah Melzer; Lanai Princess Rebekah Melzer; Molokai Page Charlene Thompson-McCameron; Molokai Princess Gabrielle Celestine Kiyome Berce; Oahu Page Garrett Montalvo; Oahu Princess Kathleen Birmingham; Kauai Page April Lani Prados; Kauai Princess Leila Kalani Larson; Pa’u Queen Page James Kimo Lum; and Pa’u Queen GenaAstrid Mahelanai Lay Rickard.

“We can’t wait to return safely to in-person events. The Na Kamehameha Parade is usually held in Lahaina, ending at Keawaiki, Maui’s famous Banyan Tree. There is also a ho’olaule’a afterward, which includes keiki activities, food, a pa’u award ceremony, hula and more,” Fujiwara said.

The King Kamehameha Day holiday was on Friday, June 11.

For all the latest, go to www.facebook.com/nkcpph.