The parade perpetuates the beautiful paniolo tradition of pa‘u riding. Brilliant fabric goes into long skirts and saddle decorations, and the riders and horses are adorned with lei.

LAHAINA — With the statewide theme “E Ola Ka Mo’i Kamehameha — Long live King Kamehameha,” the 2022 Na Kamehameha Commemorative Pa’u Parade & Ho’olaule’a will return live in Lahaina Town on Saturday, June 18.

The parade will commence at 9:45 a.m. from Kenui Street along Front Street to Shaw Street.

Parade Commentary Stations will be located at Papalaua Street, Kimo’s, Cheeseburger in Paradise, Lahaina Pizza Co. and The Wharf Cinema Center.

“We want to welcome everyone back safely to Lahaina for this event,” said Daryl Fujiwara, event coordinator.

“Sacred Hearts is celebrating 160 years, and one of our partners, Lahaina Restoration Foundation, is celebrating 50 years. And the holiday itself honoring King Kamehameha is celebrating 150 years — lots to celebrate.”

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

On Dec. 22, 1871, King Kamehameha V proclaimed a national holiday to honor and celebrate his grandfather and the father of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Originally, the people of Hawaii wanted to mark the legacy of Lot Kapuaiwa (Kamehameha V) on his birthday, Dec. 11.

Being the humble chief that he was, he opted to honor his grandfather instead and pushed the holiday as far away from his own birthday as possible, hence the arbitrary date of June 11.

June 11, 1872, was the very first Kamehameha Day holiday ever celebrated.

This year’s Pa’u Court includes Pa’u Grand Marshal Glenn Berce, Pa’u Queen Linda Masako Uradomo-Berce, Hawaii Island Princess Desiree Ku’ulei Akimseu, Kauai Princess Leila Kalani Larson, Molokai Princess Melanie Malia Pali-Kaneakua, Maui Princess Sofia Kaleimamo Salvatierra, Niihau Princess Tia Elizabeth Perdido Ampong, Oahu Princess Daphne Emmalani Lukela, Kahoolawe Princess Rachel Emma Kahealani ‘Uweko’olani-DeCoite and Lanai Princess Robin Lynn Baylosis.

The ho’olaule’a in Keawaiki (Banyan Tree Park) is free and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The event will feature exhibits, free keiki activities, a parade and pa’u awards presentation, food booths supporting community non-profits and Maui made crafters.

Enjoy Hawaiian music and hula with Reiko Fukino, Kaniala Masoe, Halau Keala Kahinano O Puna with Kumu Hula Joy Salvador, Hoku Zuttermeister, Waiolohia and Kuikawa.

For the latest event updates, visit facebook.com/nkcpph.

Event partners include the Hawaii Tourism Authority, County of Maui Office of Economic Development, Lahaina Hawaiian Civic Club, Smythe Fujiwara Design, KPOA 93.5FM, Lokahi Pacific and Lahaina Town Action Committee.