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The Honolulu Advertiser


By Ashlee Duenas
Advertiser Staff Writer

Posted on: Saturday, June 13, 2009

Celebrating Kamehameha The Great

 • Paniolo old-timers immortalized on film
Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

The Kamehameha statue at Ali'iölani Hale is bedecked in lei every year.

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TODAY

93rd Annual King Kamehameha Floral Parade

9:30 a.m.

Ali'iolani Hale to Kapi'olani Park

Na Hana No'eau o Ka Pakipika — Artistic Endeavors of the Pacific

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Kapi'olani Park

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Pä'ü riders in the King Kamehameha Floral Parade pass in front of Ali'iölani Hale.

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It's time to celebrate the man who united the Hawaiian Islands, the legendary King Kamehameha I (also known as Kamehameha the Great). The 93rd annual King Kamehameha Celebration started yesterday and continues through today. This year's theme is "E Ho'omau I Ka Ha," which means "To Preserve the Breath."

Events honoring the first Hawaiian monarch are celebrated throughout the Islands. On O'ahu we celebrate with a floral parade, lei- making, hula and plenty of food and music for the entire family to enjoy. Get in touch with your inner Polynesian and bond with the family over food and entertainment.

Today the celebration begins with the 93rd annual King Kamehameha Floral Parade at 9:30 a.m. You can expect bountiful colors, flowers galore, marching bands, elaborate costumes and pa'u riders. The parade begins at Ali'iolani Hale (look for the lei-draped King Kamehameha statue) and ends at Kapi'olani Park in Waikiki.

Just because the parade is ending doesn't mean the festivities stop right away. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Kapi'olani Park hosts Na Hana No'eau o Ka Pakipika — Artistic Endeavors of the Pacific, where you can enjoy Polynesian food, art and culture . In addition to all the vendors and cultural demonstrations, there will be a presentation of parade awards.