Cultural festival · Waimea, Big Island
Waimea Paniolo Parade & Hoʻolauleʻa 2026
Hosted by Aloha Festivals Island of Hawaiʻi
- When
- Sep 20, 202610 AM – 4:30 PM
- Where
- Waimea, Big IslandGet directions
- Host
- Aloha Festivals Island of Hawaiʻi
Date
- Sunday, September 20, 2026, 10 AM – 4:30 PM
What to expect
The Waimea Paniolo Parade was established in 1952 by the Waimea Hawaiian Homesteaders Association Inc., a non-profit native Hawaiian organization. The Paniolo Festival Committee, the cultural arm of that association, organizes the event in partnership with Aloha Festivals Island of Hawai'i, honoring Waimea's deep ranching heritage and the paniolo tradition that grew from the early 19th century, when vaqueros from California taught cattle-handling skills to Native Hawaiian workers on the slopes of Mauna Kea.
The parade brings together real working paniolos, pā'ū riders in flowing island-style floral regalia, hula troupes, decorated floats, and the royal society Ahahui Ka'ahumanu Waimea Chapter, all proceeding down Mamalahoa Highway through town. A hoʻolauleʻa follows at 11:30 a.m. with live Hawaiian entertainment, food trucks, crafts, arts, paniolo fair games, and equestrian performances. The event is family-oriented and alcohol-free.
Program highlights
- Launched 1952 by Waimea Hawaiian Homesteaders; in its 73rd year
- Parade features working paniolos, pā'ū riders, hula troupes, and floats
- Ho'olaule'a with food trucks, crafts, and equestrian performances
- Alcohol-free, family-oriented community event
Plan your visit
- Food & vendors
- Food trucks and food vendors
Farmers markets this weekend
Plan your weekend on Big Island
While you’re out for Waimea Paniolo Parade & Hoʻolauleʻa, see who else is open — and meet the makers and farmers behind Hawai‘i’s markets.
What’s worth a trip this weekend
One email a week: the makers worth seeking out, pop-ups, and Hawai‘i cultural events worth planning around.