June 11, 2014. Memo: Don’t expect to reach me this morning.
Actually, don’t expect to reach me on the morning of June 11th, any year. That’s because I happily live in Kohala, birthplace of Kamehameha I, the chief who united the Hawai’ian islands into a single, prosperous kingdom. While June 11th is recognized as a holiday across the state, it is only here in Kohala that we celebrate on the exact day with a floral parade from Hawi to Kapa’au, followed by a ho’olaulea in Kamehameha Park.
Come Celebrate at the Kohala Floral Parade
It truly takes a village to put on a floral parade, with even folks who are not riding in the parade gathering flowers, making lei, lending horses, or decorating floats.
Unique to the island parades is the tradition of pa’u riders. Led by a pa’u queen, each island is represented by a princess and her attendants, with both riders and horses decorated in the colors and flowers traditional for that island.
As you might recall, Kohala is known for its winds, which means to ride in a parade, with yards of fabric billowing around your horse, is a demonstration of horsemanship as well as grace and commitment.
The party continues in the park all afternoon, with food booths, music, and hula. If you are a visitor to our island and your only exposure to cultural traditions has been at your resort hotel, you might come up to North Kohala today…or to Kailua Kona on Saturday…or plan for it next year.
Properties Along the Parade Route
I realize this is supposed to be a real estate blog. If you are interested in a front row seat, walking distance from home, at next year’s parade, I’d be happy to send you a list of properties available along the parade route.
A hui hou,
Beth Thoma Robinson, R(B)
Direct: 808.443.4588
Email: beth@hawaiilife.com
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