 Floral
Parade
Watch traditional Hawaiian pa‘u
riders
On June 11, 2008,
traffic stops between Hawi and Kapa‘au at 9
a.m. for a colorful floral parade with floats, marching
units, and pa‘u riders.
Since early in the century, pa‘u
riders have brought a uniquely Hawaiian grace and beauty
to Kamehameha Day parades, with a pa‘u queen in
regal colors leading the way. Behind her ride princesses
for each island, wearing appropriate colors and flowers,
accompanied by a pa‘u unit including pages, attendants,
outriders, and a pooper-scooper unit.
The parade route starts in Kapa'au,
as riders offer ho'okupu (a ceremonial gift as a sign
of honor and respect) to King Kamehameha I. Riders
then proceed down Akoni Pule Highway into central Hawi,
ending at the Kohala Cultural Center on Hawi Hill Road.
 The
pa‘u tradition
Well before dawn, dedicated women
will gather to make their final preparations as pa‘u
riders in the floral parade. Each will be wrapped
in 12 yards of brightly-colored material, secured
with a kukui nut, to create the flowing, culotte-style
pa‘u
skirt that was designed in the 19th century to allow
a woman to ride astride her horse with modesty and
formal dignity.
Since they frequently rode in mud,
through streams, and over rough lava fields, riding
sidesaddle made no sense to Hawai‘i horsewomen.
Pa‘u skirts could be worn for dress-up or everyday
chores, and the formal version continues to be displayed
on special occasions today.
Before parade day, the pa‘u
riders practice with their horses, prepare costumes,
gather flowers, and spend a full week creating elaborate
neck lei for each horse along with fresh lei from island-appropriate
flowers for all riders in their equestrian unit. In
North Kohala, pa‘u riders assemble their riding
units, outfits, and lei without corporate support. Like
sharing beloved secret recipes, through the years Kohala
residents with experience have passed on their skills
at making the various lei and costume pieces, and maneuvering
the horses in a crowd.
The 2008 parade will feature 10
island princesses, including one representing the new
volcanic isle emerging from the ocean floor south of
Hawai‘i. This year’s princesses are: Jolyn
Botelho (Maui); Malia Rabang (Hawai‘i); Jenney
De Silva (O‘ahu); Shelby Malia Giltner (Lana‘ i);
Cicely Uluwehi Ho‘opai (Molokini); Debbie Iwalani
Davis (Kaua‘i); Hualalai Carvalho (Ni‘ihau);
Cheri Atkins (Moloka‘i); Gina Lehua DeLuz (Kaho‘olawe);
and Pi‘ilani Rodriguez (Lo‘ ihi). |
