June 11th in North Kohala is always a time to honor the King. It’s a community day filled with culture and connections, protocols and pageantry. It’s a day of participation by many community members, whether they are part of a pa’u unit, working in a fundraising food booth, or solely enjoying the lei ceremony, parade, music, and food with family and friends. It’s Kamehameha Day.
Early morning at the original Kamehameha Statue in Kapa’au is where this day of celebration really starts, when the royal societies come to honor this mo’i, and organizations, families, and individuals bring lei for the statue that can reach 20 feet long. The formal ceremony begins at 8:00 a.m., with chants, hula, mele, ho’okupu, and stories offered to praise and remember the leadership and foresight that was shown by this Hawaiian King.
Kohala’s annual floral parade, which takes place from 9-10 a.m., is also special, with many Kohala residents from both North and South districts supporting and participating. The collaborative effort of the Paniolo community, spearheaded by the Ho’opai ohana, is a testament to the true meaning of laulima, many hands working together. With over a dozen floats, pa’u units for every island, and two other equestrian entries, the 2009 parade should be most enjoyable.
This year’s Pa’u Queen is Michelle Kaulumahiehie Amaral, whose roots extend deep in Kohala. She is married to Albert Amaral, and a mother and grandmother of three. Kaulu shares her aloha and a lifetime of experience in many ways, including as a featured soloist hula dancer who has worked at Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows for 23 years. This former model and television host has been a Merrie Monarch participant with Na Lei ‘O Kaholoku, a Pa’u Princess and Queen in other Kamehameha Day Parades, and an honored judge for hula competitions and beauty pageants. She is very honored to be participating in Kohala’s celebration of Kamehameha.
Besides acknowledging Kamehameha I, our community also shows respect to special members. This year’s honorees include Marian Reyes, who many of us call Auntie Miriam. She is our Aloha Ambassador. Auntie Miriam was born and raised in Mahukona and graduated from Kohala High School in 1948. She married Albert Lopez Reyes shortly after graduation, and they had three children; Albert Jr., Diane, and Raynette (Nani). This former Kohala High School employee has kept busy all her life. She worked for the Hyatt in Waikoloa before retiring fulltime, and then started a maintenance business with her late husband. Auntie Miriam is still going strong, as she dedicates her time volunteering for many groups, including Sacred Heart Church, The Food Bank, RSVP, the Kohala Puerto Rican Club, Social and Prison Ministries, and the Hospital Auxiliary. She belongs to Aha Hui Ka’ahumanu ‘O Kohala, Na Kupuna ‘O Kohala Hula Group, and the Kohala Senior Citizens. Mahalo to Aunty Miriam for inspiring all who know her.
Sonny and Libby Paalua are also being honored as Descendents of Kamehameha. Born in Pu’uanahulu, North Kona, Sonny is the descendent of King Kamehameha V. Libby was born in North Kohala and is a descendent of Kamehameha I. They are proud parents of 7 children, 14 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. Both are graduates of Kohala High School. Sonny retired from the military and Libby retired after working for the former Bragado Bus Company. But retirement has not slowed them down, as this couple continues to be active in the Kohala Senior Citizens Club, Kohala Senior Baseball League, Charley Company Infantry Weekend Warriors of North Kohala, The Kupuna Council of Hawai’i, and other various organizations. Former residents of North Kohala, The Paaluas now reside in South Kohala on Hawaiian Homes land in Kawaihae.
A community Ho’olaulea follows the parade from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., to be held this year on the front field of Kamehameha Park. Music, educational activities, and a wide variety of food will be offered. Participants will be able to learn about quilting, lei making, growing kalo, making saddles, ancient Hawaiian games, Paso Fino horses, and more. Festival goers can enjoy lunch while listening to performances by Hoku Zuttermeister & Ioane Burns, Cyril Pahinui & Friends, Matthew & Rozlynn Kupuka’a, and Nino & Gino. Students from Hula Halau O Ka Hana No’eau no Kalaniumi will also be featured.
Some say no other Kamehameha Day Celebration across the state is quite the same as Kohala’s, the birthplace of Paea. We think they are right. The aloha for this honored son who was born in this district drives a slew of volunteers who participate because this annual event is critical to continue. So mark your calendar, bring your families, and invite new friends to enjoy a one of a kind experience, Kamehameha Day ~ Kohala style, in true honor of a great King.
SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY
8 a.m. till done – Lei Draping Ceremony at Kamehameha Statue in Kapa’au
9 a.m. till 10 a.m. – Floral Parade, from Hawi to Kapa’au
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Ho’olaulea Celebration at Kamehameha Park
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