Aloha Festivals, first held in 1946 as Aloha Week, celebrates the love for Hawaii’s children with fun events for both locals and families on vacation.
These family-style events are free and open to the public. They are supported by the sale of Aloha Festivals ribbons and merchandise from participating retailers. Aloha Festivals merchandise will be sold at all events.
Here’s a peak at some of the events slated for this year’s Aloha Festivals:
Aloha Festivals Royal Court Investiture and Opening Ceremony
Taking place on September 9, the investiture is at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel on Coconut Grove at 4 p.m. The opening ceremony is at the Royal Hawaiian Center on Royal Grove at 5 p.m.
The Alii – king, queen, prince and princess – take their places in the 2017 Aloha Festivals Royal Court. Court members receive the royal cloak, helmet, head feather lei and other symbols of their reign. A traditional chant and hula kahiko (ancient hula) highlight the event.
Keiki Hoolaulea
Taking place September 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pearlridge Center Uptown will celebrate Aloha Festivals with a variety of activities, demonstrations and continuous stage performances by participating keiki (children’s) musical groups and hula halau (schools).
Waikiki Hoolaulea
Taking place September 23 from 7 to 10 p.m., the annual Waikiki Hoolaulea is Hawaii’s largest, most festive block party. Thousands of people will take to the streets for food, fun and entertainment. Top Island entertainers will perform along with hula halau while Hawaiian crafts and floral lei will be on display and available for purchase.
The 71st Annual Aloha Festivals Floral Parade
Taking place September 30 from 9 a.m. to noon, the 71st annual Aloha Festivals Floral Parade goes from Ala Moana Park to Kapiolani Park. It is a colorful equestrian procession of pau (long-skirted) riders, floats with cascades of Hawaiian flowers, marching bands and dignitaries.
Visit www.alohafestivals.com
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