Pedal with HBL in the 2023 Kapolei City Lights Parade!
☆⊹ ₊˚ December 9, 2023 (Saturday) ₊˚. ⊹ ☆
Since the inaugural celebration in 2001, Kapolei City Lights has been spreading holiday cheer to this ever-growing Leeward O‘ahu community as a complement to Honolulu City Lights.
This year’s theme of “A Westside Wonderland” will feature decorations inspired by historic, cultural, and recreational aspects of our Leeward communities, from Waipahū to Kaʻena Point, to showcase pride in the westside! All are invited to come and experience these free City events and decorations. Come take a walk in the country this holiday season and enjoy “A Westside Wonderland.”
This year, the City received an overwhelming number of applications. While they had to turn down many applicants, we are thrilled to announce HBL was one of the approved 60 contingents to secure a coveted spot in the 2023 Kapolei City Lights Parade! =D
Registration is REQUIRED as each parade group is restricted to a MAXIMUM of thirty (30) individuals.
Parade spots will be on a first-come, first-served basis, and will close on 12/08/23 6:00PM or once registration is full.
About the event:
Kapolei City Lights Opening Night Festivities
E komo mai (welcome) to the event page for Kapolei City Lights Celebration 2023 (KCL) sponsored by the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR)! Since the inaugural celebration in 2001, Kapolei City Lights has been spreading holiday cheer to this ever-growing Leeward O‘ahu community as a complement to Honolulu City Lights.
Kapolei City Lights officially begins with the Opening Night Block Party showcasing plenty of live music, over two dozen food trucks, and loads of local vendors from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 9, 2023 near Kapolei Hale. We’ve got so much planned for this party we are taking over several streets for the event, including: Ulu‘ōhi‘a, Ala Kahawai, ‘Alohikea, and Kama‘aha Ave.
Enjoy an amazing lineup of local entertainment and events on the stage near the intersection of Ala Kahawai and ‘Alohikea streets. Emceed by Councilmember Augie Tulba and Comedian Rodney Villanueva, this venue will offer the following scheduled performances:
• 5 p.m. = Kaulana Vinoya Duo
• 6:30 p.m. = Nesian 9 (restart at 7:15 p.m.)
• 7 p.m. = Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony
• 8 p.m. = AJ Keolanui Band
Along with the block party, opening night festivities will feature the luminous Holiday Parade, with dozens of decked-out vehicles, floats, and VIPs displaying their holiday spirit beginning at 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9. The parade route starts outside Kapolei High School on Fort Barrette Rd., takes a left on Kapolei Pkwy., and ends at Kealakapu St.
If you miss the parade, a selection of some of the parade vehicles and floats will be available for public viewing on ‘Alohikea St. (between Ala Kahawai and Kama‘aha) following the parade through the end of the block party.
Can’t make it to the Opening Night Block Party and Holiday Parade? No worries! The decorations in and around Kapolei Hale will be open for public viewing from Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023 through Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024 under the following schedule:
• Monday – Thursday = 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Friday – Sunday & Holidays = 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
During that time Kapolei Hale will be transformed into a “Westside Wonderland” featuring decorations inspired by historic, cultural, and recreational aspects of our Leeward communities. From Waipahū to Kaʻena Point, Westside pride will be on full display inside the hale with themed decorations and holiday trees decorated by a variety of City departments and community organizations, including the Wai‘anae Neighborhood Board and Kanehili Community Association.
Outside the hale, the centerpiece of the decorations will be the holiday tree on the mauka corner of the building. Harvested from Maka‘unulau Community Park in Mililani, the Cooke pine tree measures 45’ from the ground and is covered with countless lights and decorations. Additional sculptures and festive décor will surround the tree.
PARADE SCHEDULE:
4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. Vehicles arrive at staging area on Fort Barrette Road. (see map).
5:15 p.m. Parade line-up begins on Fort Barrette Road.
6:00 p.m. PARADE BEGINS (approximate time)
6:30 p.m. First unit anticipated to arrive at Kama’aha Street. (Vehicles will be directed to continue on Kapolei Parkway, turn right on Kamokila and either depart or turn right on ‘Alohikea to park along the street to display your vehicle and enjoy the block party/lighting ceremony.
7:00 p.m. PARADE ENDS (approximate time that last vehicle reaches Kama’aha Street).
9:00 p.m. All Parade vehicles must leave ‘Alohikea Street at this time. VEHICLE/ TROLLEY/ FLOAT GUIDELINES
Parade Details:
Holiday Parade: Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023 beginning 6 p.m. outside of Kapolei High School
DPR is also proud to revitalize the Kapolei City Lights Holiday Parade beginning at 6 p.m. on Dec. 9. The parade will begin on Fort Barrette Road outside of Kapolei High School, turn left onto Kapolei Parkway (the primary viewing area), and end at Kama‘aha Street.
Map of road closures affecting Fort Barrette Road, Kapolei Parkway, and adjoining streets from 2022. Impacted streets are indicated with the red lines and will likely be similar to the upcoming 2023 parade.
• ALL VEHICLE ENTRIES MUST HAVE LIGHTS AND/OR CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS.
• No live Santa Claus on vehicle or marching, except for Santa’s float.
• DO NOT THROW candy from your vehicle. If you plan to give candy, it must be handed out to people at street side. Spectators must not enter the street for safety reasons.
• Make sure your vehicle and its decorations are safe and secure.
• OBEY ALL POLICE, PARADE STAFF AND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES ROUTE PERSONNEL DURING THE PARADE.
• Enjoy yourself. You are making a lot of people very happy.