The Pa’u Riders Return to Kona: King Kamehameha Day 2022
This past Saturday, the most indescribably beautiful parade I’ve ever seen returned to downtown Kailua-Kona. It’s been two years since we’ve been able to celebrate King Kamehameha Day with the parade and the festivities that always follow. And it seems fitting that on the 150th anniversary of King Kamehameha Day, we were finally able to line the streets of Kona town and wave to the passing pa’u processions in all the colors of Hawai’i once more.
Starting at 9 a.m. at Old Kona Airport Park, the parade went south down Kuakini Highway to Palani Road, then on down to the pier, which is where I chose to spectate. From there, the parade headed down Ali‘i Drive to the Royal Kona Resort.
Waiting under the palm trees for the parade to begin.
The King Kamehameha Day parade is known for its pa‘u riders, queen, and princesses representing every Hawaiian island. A type of elegant culotte, the pa‘u is worn by the princesses and queen as they ride horseback through Kona. It’s made of 9 to 12 yards of fabric and carefully wrapped to flow past the rider’s stirrups to the ground. The pa’u is held together with kukui nuts that are twisted inside the fabric and tucked into the waistband. It’s a tradition that dates back to the 1800s, when Hawaiian women wore pa‘u to protect their clothing while riding horseback to a fancy party or formal gathering.
Wrapping pa‘u is a dying art form, and as such, the pa‘u riders have a special place in Hawaiian culture. The horses themselves represent a significant expression of culture too, as they are adorned with the most elaborate lei imaginable. It’s been called lei-making artistry at its highest form and with good reason! While watching the parade, it was clear that many hours of care and aloha were put into every detail of this King Kamehameha Day tradition.
To read more about King Kamehameha and how he united the islands of Hawai’i under one kingdom, check out my latest blog for Volcano Heritage Cottages!
And if you missed Kona’s King Kamehameha Day parade or just want to relive the enchanting experience, here are some photos to enjoy that I took while attending the parade!
Daughters of Hawai’i
Pa’u Queen
Island of Hawai’i
Island of Maui
Island of O’ahu
Island of Kaua’i
Island of Moloka’i
Island of Lana’i
Island of Ni’ihau
Island of Kahoʻolawe
