STORY SUMMARY>>>

Thousands of people lined Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki Monday to cheer on Hawaii athletes who reached the pinnacle of success during the past year.

Billed as a Parade of Champions the Labor Day celebration did not fail to deliver. The parade from Ft. DeRussy to Kapiolani Park featured championship boys and girls teams from a variety of sports along with past and present Olympians.

At the end of the parade all of the athletes were treated to a Sunset on the Beach party at Queen’s Surf.

Among the Olympians who paraded down Waikiki were Robyn Ah Mow-Santos, U.S. silver medal winner in women’s volleyball and Natasha Kai, U.S. soccer gold medalist who grew up in Laie on Oahu’s North Shore.

“We fought to the end and we came out victorious and it's awesome," said a beaming Kai, who showed off her gold medal to an adoring crowd.

Some of the loudest cheers were saved for the fan favorites of the parade, the Waipio Little Leaguers who won a world championship just a week ago in a 12-3 rout of the team from Matamoros, Mexico.

“We knew when we picked this team we went with talent and just all around good kids, so we had a blast," said Waipio coach Kiha Akau.

“They were the ones that had to play the game and they took us on this ride,” added team manager Timo Donahue.

“We want to thank you guys for the memories that we have this summer," Donahue said while addressing his team on a stage with Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann.

Andrew may be reached at apereira@khon2.com or ph. 591-4263.