KAHULUI - Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa joined members of the island's royal societies in a march Monday morning commemorating King Kamehameha I on the state holiday named for the monarch who united the Hawaiian Islands.
Participants included members of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, Kahekili-Maui Chapter, its sister organization Na Wahine Hui O Kamehameha I and the Ahahui Kaahumanu society.
Organizers called the event a "solemn march," which started at the University of Hawaii Maui College campus, and headed down Kaahumanu Avenue to Hoaloha Park.
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Members of Maui’s royal societies held a march Monday morning in honor of Kamehameha the Great, led by Paulokaleioku Bailey. The march started at the University of Hawaii Maui College campus and ended at Hoaloha Park.
The Maui News / NANEA KALANI photo
The Royal Guard of the Hawaii National Guard, rangers from Haleakala National Park and students with the Ho'olauna Na Wai Eha educational program of Kamehameha Schools also joined the event.
Before the march began, organizers noted that Kamehameha V, Lot Kapuaiwa, decreed "that we celebrate this day forever" when he established the holiday 141 years ago on June 11, 1871, in honor of his great-grandfather, Kamehameha the Great.
The Royal Order of Kamehameha I also will participate in Saturday's annual Na Kamehameha Commemorative Pa'u Parade and Ho'olaulea festivities in Lahaina.
The parade starts at 9:45 a.m. at Front and Kenui streets. The all-day hoolaulea will be held at Kamehameha Iki Park on Front Street and will include cultural exhibits, food and crafts booths, makahiki games, entertainment and walking tours.
