Sunday · 10 AM – 4:30 PM
Waimea Paniolo Parade & Hoʻolauleʻa
Sunday, September 20, 2026
Waimea Paniolo Parade & Hoʻolauleʻa is listed for Sunday, September 20, 2026 at Aloha Festivals Island of Hawaiʻi in Waimea, Big Island, 10 AM – 4:30 PM.
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.
- 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
Food & vendors: Food trucks and food vendors
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Good to know
When is Waimea Paniolo Parade & Hoʻolauleʻa?
Waimea Paniolo Parade & Hoʻolauleʻa is scheduled for Sunday, September 20, 2026, 10 AM – 4:30 PM.
Where is Waimea Paniolo Parade & Hoʻolauleʻa?
You'll find Waimea Paniolo Parade & Hoʻolauleʻa at Aloha Festivals Island of Hawaiʻi, Waimea Park, Lindsey Rd & Kawaihae Rd, Waimea, HI 96743 in Waimea, Big Island.
Will there be food at Waimea Paniolo Parade & Hoʻolauleʻa?
Food trucks and food vendors
Should I confirm Waimea Paniolo Parade & Hoʻolauleʻa before going?
Yes. Our listing is based on https://www.alohafestivalsislandofhawaii.com/paniolo-parade; https://alohavisitorguides.com/hawaii-island-festival-paniolo-parade-hoolaulea-in-waimea/; https://www.waimeatown.org/calendar/73rd-annual-waimea-paniolo-parade-amp-hoolaulea. Event dates and times can change, so confirm with the host before you go.
About cultural festivals
Hawaii's cultural festivals gather food, performing arts, craft, and community across a weekend or longer. Many trace to the islands' Japanese, Okinawan, and broader Asia-Pacific communities and feature taiko, hula, bon dance, and street-food booths.
Some are free block parties and some are ticketed convention-center markets. Come for the performances and stay for the food booths, craft vendors, and local-product marketplaces.
- Check admission before you go — marketplace and convention-center events may charge entry.
- Parking fills early — rideshare or transit is usually easier.
- Schedules and venues can shift year to year; confirm before you go.
Sources: source; source. Dates and times can change — confirm with the organizer before you go.