Video by David Corrigan & Tim Bryan | Voice of Stephanie Salazar
On Monday, we showed you how the Kamehameha Day holiday weekend started in Hilo… with a ceremonial lei draping at the landmark statue of the legendary leader.
That was only the beginning of a long weekend honoring the king who united the Hawaiian Islands.
On Saturday, Moku Ola – also known as Coconut Island in Hilo – became the site of an all day cultural festival.
Chairs and booths were set up on the soft grass of the island, where crowds could enjoy the schedule of events… along with the cool, misty weather.
The Festival featured traditional Hawaiian music, hula, cultural presentations, Oli Ho‘ike, and Ho‘okuku Pu – or Seashell Blowing. These visitors to the island got a chance to give the seashell a try… easier said than done.
The Kamehameha Day Festival was presented by the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, Mamala Hoa. The event was free and open to the public.
On the opposite side of the Big Island, thousands lined Alii Drive to witness the annual King Kamehameha Day Celebration Parade.
This year’s theme was: “Wahine Holo Lio – which means “Woman traveling by horseback” – Honoring the Noble Tradition of Pa‘u Riding.”
The parade featured over 100 of the honored pa’u riders, representing all eight Hawaiian Islands, as well as floats, marching bands, singers, hula halau, pageant queens and a entertainers.
The regal procession ended in a hoolaulea.
