Hundreds lined Kalakaua Avenue yesterday to cheer on Hawai'i athletes young and, well, not as young — from the tweens of the Waipi'o Little League World Series champs to Olympians past and present.

The city-organized Parade of Champions brought out families from around O'ahu, who lugged beach chairs, umbrellas and Labor Day picnics to the sidewalks of Waikiki and ate as they shouted, clapped and whistled to support their favorite athletes and teams.

Though many came out to see Olympians who won in Beijing and in previous Games, the stars of the parade were by far the Little Leaguers, who got loud cheers and applause as they walked by in their sky blue uniforms, waving enthusiastically to the crowd as they went.

"It's pretty amazing" how far the Little Leaguers got, said Daron Young, 46, who was sitting along Kalakaua Avenue yesterday, eating soybeans and other snacks with his family as he waited for the parade to go by. "I used to coach. I know how hard it is."

The Waipi'o Little League team won the World Series Aug. 24 by beating Mexico, 12-3, in Williamsport, Pa. It was the second team from Hawai'i in four years to take the Little League title. The first was the West O'ahu Little Leaguers, who won in 2005.

For attendees, the parade was a chance to mark a summer of stellar Hawai'i athletes and athletics — from the Little Leaguers to Olympic gold medalists Natasha Kai and Bryan Clay.

Clay, the decathlon champion in Beijing, couldn't attend yesterday, but addressed the crowd by video. Other parade participants yesterday included past Olympians Kathy Hammond and Kevin Asano, baseball and softball teams from around the island, and high school marching bands.

Waipahu residents Judy and Ben Faustino came out to support Hawai'i's Olympians.

"It's nice," Ben Faustino said. "Too bad Bryan Clay can't be here, though."

People started setting up along the parade route as early as 2 p.m., laying out their blankets on the sidewalk and soaking up a few rays as they waited. The parade kicked off at 5 p.m., with participants marching from Fort DeRussy to Kapi'olani Park.

Gloria Santos, 57, got into Waikiki about two hours before the parade started to grab a spot on Kalakaua Avenue for her and her four grandchildren — all seated in a row enjoying sodas and chips. Santos was cheering on a fifth grandchild, who was marching in the parade with her Wai'anae softball team, along with the Waipi'o Little Leaguers and other athletes.

"Hawai'i has a lot of talent, and this really showcases their talent," Santos said.

Sylvia Iulio, 50, said the event was something of a "thank you" for the athletes.

"They made us all look good," said the Liliha resident.

Parking in Waikiki was very tight for parade fans, and many said they spent the better half of an hour looking for a spot. In addition to the parade in Waikiki yesterday, there was a soccer game, a big union picnic and lots of people who just turned out to enjoy the day.

Betsy Park, 75, of 'Aina Haina, said it took her nearly an hour to find parking.

But, she said, watching the parade was worth it.

"I wasn't going to turn around," she said. "No way."

Todd Lee, 34, said the parade was the perfect way to spend a Labor Day afternoon.

"We just had a great summer of Hawai'i athletes," Lee said, leaning against a palm tree.

After the parade, the Waipi'o Little Leaguers signed autographs and were photographed with attendees. For Waipi'o team member Pikai Winchester, the attention was a bit surreal. After the event, he was out of breath — not from walking the parade route, but because of all the excitement.

"It was like being a big celebrity," Winchester said, grinning. "It was great."

Winchester's grandfather, Maury Duque, 61, was on the sidelines during the parade, cheering his grandson on. "For us, it's just exciting," he said, adding that all the kids on the team are shocked by the statewide support and praise they've received.

"They didn't expect all this when they came back," he said.

This is the second city-organized Parade of Champions. The first was held in January after the University of Hawai'i football team returned from the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.

Back then, fans wore green to show their support.

Yesterday, fans wore sky blue.

Westin Fabro, 13, had on a Waipi'o Little League baseball jersey. He's in a different age group than the team that won the World Series, and said he never had any doubt the younger Waipi'o players would rise above their competition. "I told them at the beginning that they were going to go all the way," said Westin, sounding like someone twice his age.

"They just had a great team, a lot of talent."