Hawaii Kai Parade Set Nov. 30

The Hawaii Kai Holiday Parade begins at 10 a.m. Nov. 30 when an estimated 1,300 participants and 40 decorated vehicles will move down Lunalilo Home Road from Kamiloiki Community Park to Koko Marina Center, which cosponsors the annual march with the Hawaii Kai Lions.

“The joy that this parade brings to the community is the very reason why our club and Koko Marina Center take the time, money and effort to put on this parade,” said Lion Ken Nishibun, parade coordinator. “That is why this parade has become such an anticipated and cherished community tradition, rain or shine, since 1969.”

Mayor Kirk Caldwell is grand marshal – with backup from the Kaiser High, Royal Hawaiian, Celtic Pipes & Drums and McKinley High bands. Chinese lion dancers, law-makers, firefighters, scout troops, dogs, classic cars, schools, churches, beauty queens and many more will travel the 1.5-mile stretch, and elves (disguised as Lions and Leo Club members) will toss candy to the crowds.

More festivities await at 11 a.m. at Koko Marina, emceed by KRTR radio’s Wayne Maria, with a keiki hula show, face painting, balloon art and free keiki carnival rides. Parade fans are invited to bring unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots, either to the parade or to Koko Marina Center (and enjoy the activities for free).

Santa Claus always brings up the tail end of the parade and will make a personal entrance via speedboat to greet keiki and sit for photos at the shopping center (around 11:30 a.m).

For more information, call Nishibun at 754-6605.