Walking in the Kōloa Days Parade this past Saturday was a fun reminder of how: “Lucky we live Kaua‘i”.

The weather was perfect, a hot summer day with blue skies and a cool breeze when you were fortunate to be in the shade. Friends and family, local residents and visitors alike lined the roadway clustered under the shade of large monkey pod trees, sitting on beach chairs, blankets and on tailgates of pickup trucks. Coolers filled with water, cut pineapple, and frozen ice snacks seemed to be everywhere while children of all ages waited patiently with huge smiles and obvious expectation of what would soon be coming down the road.

The parade route started at Kōloa Elementary School and ended up at the Kōloa park and athletic fields where under the big tents were local crafts, jewelry, clothing, art, music, dance, Taiko drumming, and much more.

There were huge delicious looking watermelons, colorful shave-ice cones, cotton candy, flying saucers, and other delightful snacks to choose from.

The parade itself can only be described as “local style” in the most positive sense. Rugged paniolo astride their spirited steeds, local dignitaries walking and waving, community organizations carrying signs and banners, convertibles, golf carts, and flatbeds- all part of the grand procession.

Keiki walked with kūpuna. Old time Kōloa residents and kama‘aina walked side-by-side with part-time residents and malahini. Real estate developments and resorts shared the road with conservation groups and non-profits. Everywhere, people from all walks of life were talking and laughing, shaking hands and embracing. Friends old and new were doing the things that build and strengthen communities – celebrating their love of life on Kaua‘i and specifically the love and respect for life in Kōloa. Yes, we are very lucky to be able to call Kaua‘i home.

Was truly a Louis Armstrong “Wonderful World” type of moment.

The Hooser Ohana walked with the good folks of Malama Maha‘ulepu. The protection and preservation of the Maha’ulepu area and coastline is sacrosanct, and we were honored to join this hardworking and dedicated community group.

While Claudette and I have called the east-side home for the past 45 years, our son and his family have put down roots in Kōloa. They own a small eatery, the Smash Cafe, located on the corner as you first enter Old Kōloa Town. Our grandson is a proud student at Koloa Elementary School, and loves fishing with uncle along the coastline. His little sister who’s not yet old enough for school, runs with the neighbor kids, and chases the chickens for fun.

Needless to say, we’ve come to love this little town and the sunny south-side of our island.

Kōloa is a real community. The people who live there, know their neighbors. They watch each others kids. It’s a place where guaranteed, you’re going to run into friends at the market, or down at the harbor. You can walk or ride your bike to town and the beach.

Kōloa is a uniquely special place with a storied history surrounded by a pristine natural environment that include mountains that will take your breath away and a coastline unlike any other in the world.

This is why the Hooser Ohana walked with Malama Maha’ulepu. This is why we should all walk, support and work along side of them and other worthy organizations committed to the work of protecting that which is irreplaceable.

Mahalo to the good folks who organized, supported, and made the Kōloa Days Parade happen – it’s an annual reminder of how lucky we are and of our kuleana to this place.