Aloha Week Parade

Last weedend we went to the Aloha Week Parade. I'm pretty sure that every island has this and different festivities through out this time of year. But I know for sure they have it on Moloka'i. I grew up going to the parade and the ho'olaule'a, but this was the first time that I went here on Oahu.

Here we are on the median waiting for the parade to start.

I was a bit sad that Na'u didn't get to see all of this because she was on Moloka'i again. I knew she would have loved it all. Maybe next year.

For these Aloha Week festivities, they have a royal court that attends all the different events.


...and for the parade, they have pa'u riders that represent each island. There is a princess and her court. These riders (and horses) are dressed in their island color. They are soooo beautiful. Secretly I've always wanted to be one :). They look so graceful guiding their horse to either side of the street, smiling and bowing to everyone. I figure I can ride a horse and smile, should be nothing to it :). Here is....

Moloka'i


Ni'ihau


Oahu


Maui


Lana'i
This is one of my hula sisters from Ka Pa Hula O Ka Lei Lehua. She did awesome!


Here is a close-up of Lana'i's horse's adornments. BEAUTIFUL! Alot of work goes into preparation starting weeks in advance.


And here's our friend Mandy who was singing and playing ukulele behind Lana'i's pa'u riders.


Kaho'olawe


Kaua'i


Big Island


There were many bands that participated. Here is Cameron's high school Marching Band. He said he marched in this parade when he was a freshman. It was "super hot, and super long." In fact, they're wearing the same uniform.


There were floats that came by all beautifully decorated with native flowers. Some even had hula dancers like this one.


We had so much fun. Can't wait til next year!

FYI-All pictures and videos were taken with our iphones :).