The 2026 Nā Kamehameha Commemorative Pāʻū Parade and Hōʻolauleʻa returned to Central Maui on Saturday for a daylong celebration of Hawaiian culture, history and community.

The parade down Kaʻahumanu Avenue from Mahalani Street to the Queen Ka’ahumanu Center featured pāʻū riders representing the Hawaiian islands, marching groups and decorated floats honoring King Kamehameha I and the traditions of Hawaii.

Festivities continued at the center with live entertainment by Micah Manzano, Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning group Waipuna, Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka O Uka and Hālau Kekuaokalā’au’ala’iliahi.

This year’s statewide theme was “E Kū, E Ho’ololi,” or “Stand Upright and Change Conditions.”

In the walking and marching division, Maui Music Mission took first place, followed by Scouting America in second and Da Maui Hammahz in third.

In the decorated vehicle and float division, Old Lahaina Lū’au earned first place, King’s Cathedral & Chapels placed second and Sacred Hearts took third.

Kauai received the perpetual trophy and the award for outstanding pā’ū unit, with Molokai placing second and Niihau third.

The 2026 Pāʻū Court included 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 Molokaʻi Kaimilani Kamai, Princess of Lānaʻi Elikapeka Ah Puck and Princess of Oʻahu Gabrielle Berce.

In the pā’ū princess category, Molokai took first place, followed by Hawaii Island in second and Lanai in third.

Kahoolawe won the Pooper Scooper Award, with Niihau placing second and Kauai third.

“Today was incredibly hot, and with perfect beach weather across Maui, everyone had plenty of options for how to spend their day,” Parade Coordinator Daryl Fujiwara said. “The fact that so many people chose to be here means a great deal to all of us. You could have gone to the beach, but instead you came to witness the pā’ū riders and the culmination of their yearlong journey to this road. You came to celebrate our culture, support our communities, and honor the many hula dancers who shared their talent and aloha through their performances today. Mahalo to everyone who came out, cheered on the riders, supported the performers, and helped make this event such a special celebration of Hawaiian traditions.”