For many years, Aloha Festivals has been celebrated across our island state. This year, however, Aloha Festivals will take place for one weekend only on O`ahu as part of an effort to sharpen the focus of this annual celebration.The popular Aloha Festivals Waikiki Ho‘olaule‘a will be held on Friday, September 12, starting at 7:00 p.m. The Annual Waikiki Ho‘olaule‘a is Hawai‘i’s largest block party. Thousands of people will take to the streets along Kalakaua Avenue for food, fun and entertainment. There will be hula halau (hula schools) performances, Hawaiian musicians, Hawaiian crafts and flower lei.
The next morning, Saturday, September 13, the 62nd annual Aloha Festivals Floral Parade will take place starting at 9:00 a.m. A colorful equestrian procession of female and male pa‘u riders, extravagant floats with cascades of Hawaiian flowers, hula halau and marching bands will brighten Kalakaua Avenue from Ala Moana Park to Kapi‘olani Park. This “must see” event will pay homage to the art of hula.
Hula has always been a focal point in Hawaiian culture and is appreciated for the way it is presented. Hula tells a story, from the mele (song) chosen, to the facial expressions, hand motions, foot and hip movements. Costumes and lei also illustrate the color or flower of an island or era of the particular dance. All these components come together to portray the meaning behind the mele, which everyone will experience at this year’s Aloha Festivals events.
Aloha Festivals was first held in 1947 as Aloha Week, and over the past six decades has become a celebration of Hawaiian culture, integrating the traditions and cultures of the Islands through music, dance, cuisine and art. Aloha Festivals is funded through the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, corporate and private sponsorships, and sales of Aloha Festivals ribbons and merchandise. For more information on the Aloha Festivals and its events, visit www.alohafestivals.com.
Schedule of Events:
Opening Ceremony
Thursday, September 11, 2008 4:30 PM
`Iolani Palace
This ceremony marks the official beginning of the 2008 Aloha Festivals event on O`ahu. Traditional hula and chant introduce our O`ahu Royal Court on the grounds of the beautiful and stately `Iolani Palace. 4:30P-6:00P. Free admission. Contact (808) 589-1771 or info@alohafestivals.com.
Aloha Festivals Waikiki Ho`olaule`a
Friday, September 12, 2008 7:00 PM
Kalakaua Avenue between Lewers & Kapahulu Avenues
Celebrating its 56th year and the 2008 theme of Hula, an extended block party will kick off at 6:30 PM with the arrival of the Royal Court. Eight stages of entertainment open with hula halau, lots of food and lei vendors and hula crafters will be spread along 12 city blocks of the world famous Kalakaua Avenue. Entertainment runs from 7:00 PM - 10:30 PM. Free admission. Contact (808) 589-1771 or info@alohafestivals.com
62nd Annual Aloha Festivals Floral Parade
Saturday, September 13, 2008 9:00 am
Kalakaua Ave, Ala Moana Park to Kapiolani Park
A colorful equestrian procession of female and male pa‘u riders, extravagant floats with cascades of Hawaiian flowers, hula halau and marching bands will brighten Kalakaua Avenue from Ala Moana Park to Kapi‘olani Park. This “must see” event will pay homage to the art of hula.
Hapa Haole Hula & Music Festival and Competition
Saturday, September 13, 2008 12 noon
Kapiolani Park Bandstand
RELATED EVENT - The Hapa Haole Hula & Music Festival and Competition, Saturday, 9/13/08 at Kapiolani Park Bandstand at 12 noon. Presented by the PAI Foundation. Visit their website: www.hapahaolefest.org
Third Annual Ukulele Contest
Sunday, September 14, 2008 10 am
Aloha Tower Center Stage
RELATED EVENT - Presented by Aloha Tower Marketplace. Phone: 566-2337 Visit their website: www.alohatower.com
The Keiki Ho'olaule'a
Saturday, September 20, 2008 10 am - 3 pm
Pearlridge Center
Presented by Pearlridge Center. Phone:488-0981 Visit their website: www.pearlridgeonline.com