ALOHA FROM JENNIE: Aloha Week was originally started in 1946 to celebrate Hawaiian culture and traditions, and has since evolved into a month long series of events highlighting music, dance and history. Each year, a Royal Court, including the regal King and Queen, is presented during an investiture ceremony.
Various 'hoolauleas' (aka street 'block parties') are then held throughout Oahu, featuring Hawaiian entertainment, food booths and crafts. Attendees who purchase Aloha Festival $7 ribbons and armbands receive vendor discounts at the events. During the 2013 festival, the floral parade drew almost 35,000 spectators, and 79,000 attended the Waikiki Hoolaulea.
This year's festival theme honors the round-the-world voyage of the Polynesian sailing canoe Hōkūleʻa and its mission to promote global peace and goodwill. Our June 1st blog post describes Hōkūleʻa's journey and endeavors in more detail.
The 2014 Aloha Festival schedule includes:
- September 6th - Presentation of the Royal Court at Waikiki's Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center
- September 13th - A Keiki (kids) Hoolaulea at Pearlridge Shopping Center featuring children's demonstrations, activities, Hawaiian music and hula dancing
- September 20th - Waikiki's evening Hoolaulea evemt
- September 27th from 9 a.m. to noon - Floral parade with floats, horses, and marching bands. The parade route runs from Ala Moana Boulevard through Kalakaua Avenue and ending at Kapiolani Park.
Tucker Hirsh, Kapiolani Medical Center's therapy dog, enjoys the Aloha Festival Floral Parade.
More details are found at the event organizers' website, www.alohafestivals.com.