Princess Ashley Lehuanani Branco waves to paradegoers along Front Street in Lahaina during the 2017 Na Kamehameha Commemorative Pa‘u Parade & Ho‘olaule‘a. She will serve as this year’s pa‘u queen. The Maui News file photo
The 2023 Na Kamehameha Commemorative Pa’u Parade and Ho’olaule’a will host a pa’u queen for the first time in 10 years on Saturday.
The parade will be led by the Royal Order of Kamehameha and will showcase eight pa’u units, along with decorated vehicles and floats by Maui’s businesses and nonprofits.
“It has been over 10 years that we have had a queen who has completed all eight islands as a full unit,” said Moani Whittle Wagner, pa’u coordinator. “There are two ways to become a queen. One way is to be selected by the committee and is usually someone we are honoring. The other way, the most difficult way, is to ride all eight islands. This year we will see one of our most decorated riders, Ashley Lehuanani Branco, take the reins as the pa’u queen, led by her long-time unit coordinator Kalani Ah Puck.”
The 2023 Pa’u Court also consists of Pa’u Marshal Kalani Kapu, Molokai Princess Leila Kalani Larson, Oahu Princess Melanie Malia Pali-Kaneakua, Kauai Princess Christy Makanalani Kajiwara Gusman, Kahoolawe Princess Tiara “Tia” Ampong, Lanai Princess Daphne Emmalani Lukela, Maui Princess Victoria-Ann Noelani Keawe-Aiko, Hawaii Princess Julia Keahonuimaikalani Wagner and Niihau Princess Mary Klein.
Florence Makekau was posthumously named the parade grand marshal. “Aunty Flo” was born on April 12, 1938 and was deemed “The Last Lei Master of Lahaina.” She was a staunch supporter of the Lahaina Kamehameha Festivities, helping to make kahili for royal courts and pa’u units with their lei and florals, and eventually becoming a judge. She was known for her nimble fingers, and her lei can be seen around the necks and heads of many in the form of feather and seed, according to a news release from organizers.
The 2023 pa’u marshal is Kalani Kapu of Kauaula, Maui. A kumu hula and lei master, Kapu has been a part of the Kamehameha celebrations for many years on many islands. On Maui, he co-chaired the Pa’u Committee and coordinated many units, inspiring many to become riders and ultimately perpetuating the art of pa’u.
There will be commentary stations along Front Street that will be posted at Tommy Bahama at Papalaua Street and Front Street, Kimo’s, Cheeseburger In Paradise, Lahaina Pizza Co. and the Wharf Cinema Center.
Due to the parade, Front Street will be closed from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday from Mala Bridge at the Lahaina Cannery Mall to Shaw Street. No parking is allowed along Front Street. All cars will be towed at the driver’s expense. Parking for the event is available at the Maui Outlets, Wharf Cinema Center (paid) and public parking at Luakini and Prison Streets.
There will also be a Ho’olaule’a at Keawaiki under the Lahaina Banyan Tree from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with local eats, Maui-made crafters and entertainment by Reiko Fukino, Kaniala Masoe, Huewa, Halau Ke’ala Kahinano O Puna, Namaka Pauole and Kuikawa.
Organizers are still seeking volunteers for the parade. Interested and able organizations may email sfdhawaii@gmail.com.
Princess Ashley Lehuanani Branco waves to paradegoers along Front Street in Lahaina during the 2017 Na Kamehameha Commemorative Pa‘u Parade & Ho‘olaule‘a. She will serve as this year’s pa‘u queen. The Maui News file photoToday's breaking news and more in your inbox
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