The 2026 Nā Kamehameha Commemorative Pāʻū Parade will begin at 9:45 a.m. Saturday and proceed along Kaʻahumanu Avenue. Courtesy photo

Kaibigan Ng Lahaina has been selected as the grand marshal for the 2026 Nā Kamehameha Commemorative Pāʻū Parade on Saturday in Kahului.

The parade will begin at 9:45 a.m. and proceed along Kaʻahumanu Avenue under the theme “E Kū, E Hoʻololi” (Stand Upright and Change Unpleasant Conditions).

According to the parade committee, Kaibigan Ng Lahaina has played a vital role in supporting the Lahaina community’s recovery and rebuilding efforts following the August 2023 wildfires.

Founded as a grassroots organization, Kaibigan Ng Lahaina has worked to ensure wildfire survivors and affected families have access to essential resources, services and support while amplifying the voices and needs of the community.

“Kaibigan Ng Lahaina embodies the spirit of this year’s theme,” said Daryl Fujiwara, parade coordinator. “In the face of tremendous hardship, community members stepped forward as leaders, working tirelessly to transform difficult circumstances into opportunities for healing, recovery, and hope. Their dedication and service continue to inspire all of us.”

Honoring the legacy of King Kamehameha I and celebrating the history, values and enduring spirit of the Hawaiian people, the Pāʻū Parade remains one of Hawaii’s most treasured cultural traditions.

The parade features the artistry of floral adornment, horsemanship, traditional attire and the representation of each island, and the pāʻū riders serve as living storytellers, preserving and perpetuating Hawaiian culture for future generations.

The parade was made possible by Pāʻū Coordinator and Commissioner Moani Whittle Wagner and the Pāʻū Committee including Kimo Lum, Gena Lay Rickard and Kathleen Birmingham.

The 2026 Nā Kamehameha Commemorative Pāʻū Parade Court includes Princess of Hawaiʻi Island Daphne Emmalani Lukela, Princess of Maui Destiny-Joy Kuʻupuamakamae Makamae Alipio, Princess of Niʻihau Mary-Ann Kobatake, Princess of Kahoʻolawe Leinaʻala Padelford, Princess of Kauaʻi Tammy Cabanilla-Aricayos, Princess of Molokai Kaimilani Kamai, Princess of Lānaʻi Elikapeka Ah Puck and Princess of Oʻahu Gabrielle Berce.

The festivities will begin with the Pāʻū Parade from Lunalilo Street to Kahului Beach Road. Commentary stations will be located along Kaʻahumanu Avenue at Mahalani Street, Papa Avenue, Wakea Avenue and two locations at the Queen Kaʻahumanu Center.

Following the parade, the celebration will continue with a Hōʻolauleʻa at the Queen Kaʻahumanu Center, featuring live entertainment, hula performances, local artisans, educational exhibits, cultural demonstrations and family-friendly activities.

The Hōʻolauleʻa is free and open to the public. The festivities will continue until 5 p.m.

For more information, go to festivalsofaloha.org.