One of the most cherished cultural traditions on the Big Island returns this June — and if you’ll be on Hawaiʻi Island, this is one event you won’t want to miss!

On Saturday, June 7, 2025, the annual King Kamehameha Day Celebration Parade and Ho‘olaule‘a (festival) will take over Historic Kailua Village, bringing together the island’s community, history, and aloha spirit in one unforgettable morning.

🌺 A Day to Honor Hawaiʻi’s First King

King Kamehameha Day is a special state and county holiday in Hawaiʻi, established in 1871 by King Kamehameha V to honor his grandfather, Kamehameha the Great — the courageous chief who united the Hawaiian Islands in 1810 and became Hawaiʻi’s first king. Statues, lei-draping ceremonies, and parades take place throughout the islands every June, but Kailua-Kona’s parade is especially beloved for its beauty, pageantry, and connection to history.

🐎 Parade Highlights

This year’s King Kamehameha Day Celebration Parade kicks off at 9:00 a.m. on Kuakini Highway near the Palani Road intersection. From there, it winds down Palani Road to Kailua Pier, then travels south along Aliʻi Drive through the village to the Royal Kona Resort.

What makes this parade so unique? The beautiful pa‘u riders. Over 100 horseback riders, adorned in the colors and flowers of the Hawaiian Islands, will represent each of the eight major islands of Hawaiʻi. Each island will have its own princess, led by a regal pa‘u queen.

Expect to see:

🌸 Riders draped in stunning lei and island foliage
🐴 Traditional Hawaiian equestrian units
🎶 Cultural floats, hula dancers, musicians, and community groups

The parade is a beautiful, living tribute to the traditions and royalty of old Hawaiʻi — with the sparkling ocean as its backdrop.

🎶 Ho‘olaule‘a at Hulihe‘e Palace

After the parade, head over to Hulihe‘e Palace for a lively ho‘olaule‘a (festival) filled with live music, hula performances, local artisans, and ono (delicious) island food. It’s the perfect place to relax under the coconut palms, enjoy the view of Kailua Bay, and experience the warm aloha of the Kona community.

For all the details, visit konaparade.org

📅 Save the Date

📆 Saturday, June 7, 2025
⏰ Parade begins at 9:00 a.m.
📍 Historic Kailua Village, Aliʻi Drive

Whether you’re a visitor or a kamaʻāina (local resident), the King Kamehameha Day Celebration in Kailua-Kona is a vibrant, heartwarming reminder of Hawaiʻi’s proud history and enduring aloha spirit. We’ll see you there! 🌺🤙