Pa'u riders on horseback are a popular attraction at the Aloha Festivals Parade each year.

Each of the riders dress in bright colors representing one of Hawaii's eight major islands.

There's history behind the pa'u, or long wrap, worn by parade horseback riders of today.

During the time of Hawaiian ali'i, or royalty, lengthy material was tied around them to protect their wardrobe.

"It's actually a covering that covers their beautiful ball gowns so that when they're riding on horseback, the dust don't go on to their beautiful gowns," said Leiala Cook, a second generation pa'u rider.

Cook is following her late mother's legacy.  She shares the traditional dressing process -- yards of heavy fabric are draped from waist to floor held tight with six kukui nuts.

"The rough kukui nuts that you get straight from the aina, it's really rough and it keeps it firm and pa'a," said Cook.

Each kukui is twisted into the fabric.

"Twist it three times, tuck it into the string and then pull down," said Cook.

PHOTOS: Getting a Pa'u rider ready

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