Aloha Festival is Hawai'i’s premier cultural showcase, a celebration of Hawai'i’s music, dance and history intended to preserve the unique island traditions.
HISTORY
HONOLULU’S 65 year-old Aloha Festivals is the oldest and largest Hawaiian cultural celebration in the United States. What is known today as Aloha Festivals was created in 1946, as Aloha Week - a cultural celebration of Hawai'i’s music, dance and history intended to perpetuate our unique traditions. A group of former Jaycees - known as the Jaycees Old-timers of Hawai'i - had the vision to create a public celebration to honor Hawai'i’s cosmopolitan heritage, yet created a celebration which has itself become a state-wide tradition.
Aloha Week became Aloha Festivals in 1991. Aloha Festivals has become a celebration of our Hawaiian culture. Integrated into the culture are many island traditions and customs of each of the Hawaiian islands. Thousands of volunteers labor together each year to stage the events, which are attended statewide by nearly a million people Eit is a festival truly of the people of Hawai'i by the people of Hawai'i. The festivals are funded through the sale of Aloha Festivals ribbons and merchandise, and via corporate and private donations.
MISSION OF FESTIVALS
The mission of Aloha Festivals is “to foster the Aloha Spirit through the perpetuation of the Hawaiian culture and the celebration of the diverse customs and traditions of Hawai'i”. Aloha Festivals was first held in 1946 as Aloha Week. It has become a celebration of our Hawaiian Culture integrated with the traditions and cultures of each of the islands through music, dance, cuisine and art. Each year, hundreds of volunteers labor to stage the events, which are enjoyed by nearly one million people.
Aloha Festivals is funded through appropriate funds from the Hawai'i Tourism Authority, corporate sponsorships, private donations, as well as through the sale of Aloha Festivals ribbons and merchandise.
THEME OF THIS YEARS FESTIVALS
Mele 'Ailana: Celebrate Island Music
The unparalleled beauty of Hawaii, its vibrant people and proud heritage have been the inspiration of mele - chants and songs - for scores of generations. Whether in olelo Hawaii (Hawaiian language) or English, island music is an artful expression of Hawaii's unique way of life as experienced by kamaaina (locals) and malihini (visitors) from around the world.
Contemporary genres of island music often weave elements of tradition with modern trends and influences. European-introduced ukulele and guitar combine with ancient instruments and state-of-the-art technology. Add to that the rich voices of talented island artists and you get a kind of musical magic that soothes the spirit. Nahenahe - meaning sweet and melodious - is a term synonymous with island music.
E ho 'olohe a e nanea mai i ka leo nahenahe o Hawaii pae 'aina - 'o ia no ia 'o Mele 'Ailana. Experience and enjoy the sweet voice of Hawaii.
EVENTS
2011 Royal Court Investiture Thursday, September 1, 2011, 3:00pm Hilton Hawaiian Village
Traditional chant and hula highlight this annual event as the 2011 Alii receive their royal symbols of reign during ceremonies on the grounds of the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Free admission.
2011 Opening Ceremony
Thursday, September 1, 2011, 5:30pm
Royal Hawaiian Center, Royal Grove
This ceremony marks the official beginning of the 2011 Aloha Festivals event on Oahu. Traditional hula and chant introduce our Royal Court on the grounds of the Royal Hawaiian Center's Royal Grove. Free admission.
2011 Waikiki Hoolaulea
Saturday, September 17, 2011, 7:00pm
On Kalakaua Avenue between Lewers & Kapahulu Avenues
Celebrating its 59th year and the 2011 theme of Island Music, the largest block party will kick off with the arrival of the Royal Court. Multiple stages of entertainment, lots of food, lei vendors and hula crafters will be spread along 12 city blocks of the world famous Kalakaua Avenue. Free admission.
2011 Aloha Festivals Floral Parade
Saturday, September 24, 2011, 9:00am
From Ala Moana Park, along Kalakaua Avenue to Kapiolani Park
A colorful equestrian procession of female and male pau riders, extravagant floats with cascades of Hawaiian flowers, hula Halau and marching bands will brighten Kalakaua Avenue from Ala Moana Park to Kapiolani Park. This is a "must see" event! Free admission.
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