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The Makawao Town Association is proud to honor Brenda Kualaʻau as the Grand Marshal of the 58th Annual Makawao Parade in recognition of her decades of unwavering service, leadership, and dedication to the Upcountry Maui community.

Brenda's connection to Makawao began as a young barrel racing contestant at the Makawao Rodeo when she was just 15 years old. Over the past 37 years, she has become one of the community's strongest advocates through her career in Maui radio, helping promote countless local events, businesses, and nonprofits. Today, she serves as Senior Development Specialist ("Mama Hen") at Akamai Broadcasting, where she continues to build relationships and strengthen Maui's business and community partnerships.

Throughout her broadcasting career, Brenda has produced and promoted public service announcements for both the Makawao Parade and Makawao Rodeo, helping preserve and celebrate Makawao's rich paniolo heritage. Akamai Broadcasting now proudly sponsors the annual Makawao Parade Perpetual Trophy, continuing her longstanding commitment to this beloved tradition.

Brenda's volunteer service extends far beyond the airwaves. Alongside her husband, Lyman Kualaʻau, she co-chaired the Upcountry Fair for 28 consecutive years, supporting the Maui Livestock Association's Show & Auction while helping organize one of Upcountry Maui's signature community events. Together, they also served on the Makawao Parade Committee, where Lyman coordinated mounted marshals, parade security volunteers, and off-duty police officers to ensure the success and safety of the parade year after year.

Brenda credits much of her success to her partnership with Lyman, whom she proudly honors by sharing this Grand Marshal recognition with him. Their lifelong commitment to volunteerism, community service, and preserving Makawao's traditions has touched generations of Maui families.

A proud descendant of longtime Makawao families, Brenda's roots run deep. Inspired by her grandparents and parents' example of faith, kindness, and service to others, she has devoted her life to giving back. Whether through hospitality, broadcasting, community events, or volunteer leadership, Brenda has always believed in bringing people together and strengthening the Maui community she loves.

Kaonoulu Ranch is a generational family ranch that began in 1916 by Harold W. “Pop” Rice. Today, celebrating its 110th anniversary, Kaonoulu Ranch remains an active cattle ranch, and is home to the Oskie Rice Event Center, where along with hosting various community markets and events, and the annual 4th of July Makawao Stampede and Oskie Rice Memorial Rodeo, is home to Maui’s High School Rodeo Association and the Maui Youth Rodeo Organization where they believe in training arena champions, and raising life champions.  With the belief that through hard work, perseverance and cooperation, they can raise community contributors that will one day pay it forward and be the workers, leaders and families in our communities.

Riding for Kaonoulu Ranch today are 4 generations of Rice’s, ranch cowboys and their Ohana. Kaonoulu Ranch would like to mahalo the Maui community for their continued support.

E ola mau ~ to live it forward ~ to perpetuate the Paniolo culture for generations to come.