The 96th Annual King Kamehameha Floral Parade in Honolulu, Hawaii

The annual King Kamehameha Celebration Flower Parade which winds its way from the historic Iolani Palace (the only Royal Palace in US) to Kapiolani Park in Honolulu, is not just one of the greatest event of the year, but also my favorite one. The incredible pageantry of the colorful floats (‘kauwela’) which are so gorgeously decorated with our beautiful Hawaiian flowers is not just a a fantastic treat for the eyes but also for the soul. The sweet fragrance of the dazzling Hawaiian flowers mixed with the beautiful music and Hawaiian chanting fills the air with excitement and happiness. The high school marching bands, pa'u riders and hula dancers make this fantastic event even more memorable. Hawaii pays tribute with this awesome parade to King Kamehameha the Great, who established the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1810 and was its very first monarch. The first King Kamehameha Day, proclaimed by King Kamehameha V to honor his grandfather, King Kamehameha I, was held on June 11, 1872. It’s now a state holiday, this is one of the first holidays ever proclaimed when Hawaii became a state in 1959. The official State holiday will be observed on Monday, June 11.

This is the day when my so beloved home, Hawaii is showcasing its true beauty, its rich history and its true Aloha Spirit. It is a day which brings not just for the visitors but also for the local people a special celebration of our so incredible Island heritage. Enjoy the show! Thank you :PuakeaJutka
Video and photos by Jutka T. Emoke Barabas

Big Mahalo to Mr. Bill Haole for the interview

Photos:
1, Kamehameha Schools
2, The Prayer
3, Hula Girls
4, The Royal Hawaiian Guard
5, A Pa'u Rider

6, The Royal Float
7, Hawaii's Finest
8, Friends
9, Miss Hawaii Intercontinental, 2012: Pono Fernandez

Please visit also this report which is part of the King Kamehameha I. celebrations,

"The Royal Order of Kamehameha I. 2012 Torchlight Ceremony". Mahalo Nui Loa

http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-801643