WAIMEA, KAUAI- Visit Kauai's most historic town has been hosting Christmas events since 1786. British Captain George Dixon anchored off at Waimea aboard the "Charlotte" during Christmas. He ordered a Christmas dinner and a bowl of punch prepared in honor of the occasion. A pig was brought from shore and roasted. The day's ration of grog was mixed with coconut milk and the crew toasted friends and family at home in England.
In Hawaii, we celebrate Christmas with "Mele Kalikimaka", carols sung in Hawaiian, light displays, and Norfolk Island pines. We think it is nippy outside at 75 degrees, but it is all relative.
A brilliant wonderland of color and the spirit of fellowship are the hallmark of the annual Waimea Lighted Christmas Parade starting at 6:15pm, Saturday, December 21st. Come and spend the day. Visit our parks, beaches and hiking trails; browse through Waimea's shops, eat dinner and stay for the entertainment following the parade at Hofgaard Park. The event is free and visitors are welcome to join in this colorful community event. Waimea Town, dripping with lights, a brilliant wonderland of color serves as a backdrop to its annual Lighted Christmas Parade. After parade festivities include live, on-stage free music at Hofgaard Park, with free beverages, baked goods and treats provided by our many WKBPA member businesses.
The parade, held since 1994, begins at Waimea Canyon Park and goes down Kaumualii Hwy to Ala Wai Road, it then turns mauka (towards the mountains) to Waimea Road, then back west to end at Hofgaard Park in the center of town. For everyone's safety, no parking will be allowed along the Parade Route and we do expect traffic into Waimea to be extremely slow. Organizers suggest finding a spot for parade viewing by 4:00pm. Parking is easier on the Kekaha side of town, so arrive early, relax and enjoy the fun. Many businesses and organizations offer food booth items for purchase along the parade route. Please keep children on the sidewalks during the parade.
Sponsored by West Kauai Professional and Business Association along with area merchants and businesses.
Note: Our original parade of 1994 consisted of a small collection of lighted fishing boats from Kekaha and Waimea, bicycles, a red tractor and a few walking units, and was led by our County Mayor and a fire truck. In 2012 there were 42 participant floats, walking units, bands and vehicles, with our Waimea High School Jr ROTC Color Guard leading the parade, as it passed through our festively lit "main street" of Waimea Town.
