Eileen Estenzo beamed with aloha on a Hawaiian Airlines float in the 2003 King Kamehameha parade. There will be 5,000 people parading today. Advertiser library photo

• Today's Kamehameha Day floral parade, honoring King Kamehameha I, starts at 9:30 a.m. at King and Richards streets, goes past the Kamehameha statue on King Street, heads to Punchbowl, then to Ala Moana, and connects to Kalakaua Avenue, winding up at Kapi'olani Park.

• Tomorrow's Pan-Pacific Festival — Matsuri in Hawaii parade, celebrating the cultures of Japan and Hawai'i, begins at 5 p.m. on Kalakaua Avenue at Saratoga Road near Fort DeRussy, and journeys on Kalakaua to Kapi'olani Park.

Crowds of spectators, limited parking, and road closures shouldn't thwart the fun you can have.

Some helpful tips:

PRIME TIME

Pan-Pacific Festival photo

A Waikiki parade is part of the annual Pan-Pacific Festival. The Hawaii United Okinawa Society, below, was there last year. Advertiser library photo

• The Matsuri parade starts at 5 p.m. tomorrow and should wind up at 8 p.m.

Expect detours, no-parking zones and traffic in affected areas; avoid blocked-off cross streets.

NUMBERS

• The Kamehameha event will involve 5,000 marchers, 40 vehicles, 12 bands, 6 floats, 15 horse units.

• The Matsuri parade features 2,000 marchers, 25 vehicles, 21 floats, 5 bands.

ATTRACTIONS

• The Kamehameha parade boasts pa'u riders in cultural regalia. Muriel Kuaihelaniahumanu Campbell Shingle is pa'u queen; Charles Kanaha Kapua (a retired Honolulu police officer) portrays Kamehameha the Great; Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawananakoa is grand marshal.

• The Matsuri event marks the return of the Ushioni mikoshi and the Onbashira float, seldom displayed outside Japan. The Ushioni float, with a 260-year history, is made to resemble the head of a dragon and the body of a bull. The Onbashira is a 30-foot-long float made from mountain trees.

WHAT TO BRING

• Cameras for both parades; photo ops will be plentiful.

• Comfy walking shoes or sandals, for the trek back to the car.

• Something to sit on.

• Bottled water, to quench the thirst.

• Umbrellas, caps, sunglasses, sunscreen for the daytime parade.

• A sweater or sweatshirt for the night event, just in case it gets chilly.

EXTRAS

• Na Hana No'eau o Ka Pakipika (Artistic Endeavors of the Pacific), a festival of food, crafts, entertainment and demos, will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at Kapi'olani Park as a cross-cultural activity for both the Kamehameha and Pan-Pacific celebrations.

• The Kamehameha parade awards will be made at 3 p.m. today.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8067.

• • •

Kaiulani hotel turns 50 with shirt fit for princess

The print features some of the princess' favorite things, including a peacock, her favorite pet; pikake, her favorite flower; and 'Ainahau, her beloved home.

The shirt will be available for $50 at the concierge desk.

A ceremony will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. today to celebrate the anniversary. Cake, punch and entertainment by Halau Hula Ka No'eau will be free and open to the public. 922-5811.

Varez demonstrates art of block printing

Dietrich Varez is as passionate about the ancient art of block printing as he is about the myths, legends, culture and sports of Hawai'i that inspire his themes. A purist at heart, he insists on making every step of the printing process his own, from drawing the image to the carving and printing.

Varez will be demonstrating the art of linoleum-block printing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at Reyn's Ala Moana. For many years, Reyn's has commissioned Varez to create prints to be used in tailored Reyn Spooner aloha shirts.

During the event, Varez will introduce four new prints he created for the company. The artist will be available to personalize any shirt purchased that day.

Designer furnishings on sale at Gentry Pacific

Hundreds of items — artwork, rugs, antiques, accessories and more — will be offered below retail price.

Admission is free. The design center is at 560 N. Nimitz Highway (across from Sam Choy's Breakfast, Lunch & Crab restaurant). 599-8284.

Philippine independence party at consulate on Pali

Kalayaan 2005, celebrating Philippine Independence Day, takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow at the Philippine Consulate on Pali Highway. Activities include a historical re-enactment, Mass, lunch and a cultural show. The public is invited to the free event. 595-6316.

Weather or not, check out Hurricane Expo

Can your home weather a severe storm? Find out at a Hurricane Preparedness Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at Home Depot in Pearl City, 1021 Kamehameha Highway. Representatives from O'ahu Civil Defense and the American Red Cross, in addition to the store's experts, are scheduled to attend. It's free.

Hurricane season in Hawai'i continues through Nov. 30.

Lizard Loft's 'Cenci' tale of rape and retribution

Lisa Nielsen, left, Andrew Valentine, Danel Verdugo and Nicolas Logue in "The Cenci." The Lizard Loft and Cruel Theatre

The dark tale by the Romantic poet Percy Shelley follows Count Cenci, who rapes his daughter and in turn is killed.

"Cenci" continues at 8 p.m. today and June 17-18 and at 4 p.m. tomorrow and June 19 at The ARTS at Marks Garage. Admission is $10 general, $7 students (the box office opens half an hour before each performance); be 18 or older, please. 523-1004.

Cha-Lang-A-Lang Jam in 'Aina Haina

Step back in time at an Old-Style Hawaiian Backyard Cha-Lang-A-Lang Jam, featuring Van Diamond and Friends and special guests, from at 7 to 8:30 p.m. today at Calvary By The Sea Church in 'Aina Haina.

Performers include Art Akina on acoustic bass, Isaac Akuna on steel guitar, Ha'alilio Heyer on 'ukulele, Paul Nehoa Lucas on guitar and Aaron Sala on piano. Guests include hula dancer Maile Beamer Loo and singer Nalani Olds. The night will be filled with mostly hapa-haole songs from long ago.

Attendees are invited to jam along, too: Bring your 'ukulele and guitars (words/music will be passed out during the concert). Tickets are $20; the concert is a benefit for Angel Network Charities Inc. 377-1841.

Round & Round at Neiman Marcus

Here's a chance to treat Dad to a pre-Father's Day concert — and it's free. Up-and-coming local band Round & Round will appear for a 45-minute performance at 3 p.m. today in the Men's Department at Neiman Marcus.