Aloha Festivals

2250 Kalakaua Ave #315, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA

September is the month to celebrate Hawai‘i on O‘ahu with Aloha Festivals. It’s also a terrific month to visit Hawai‘i. Summer crowds have gone, the weather is beautiful, and attending the stellar Aloha Festivals events, the largest Hawaiian cultural celebration in the world, will simply delight you.

On September 1st, a vividly colorful and deeply moving Royal Court Investiture and Opening Ceremony took place on the verdant grounds of a special place encircled by coconut trees called Helumoa. Steps from the famous beach, this historic area in Waikīkī was originally the home of Hawaiian Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop.

The Royal Court presides over all of the official Aloha Festivals events and has a Mō‘ī Kāne (king), a Mō‘ī Wahine (queen), Kamāli‘i Kāne (prince), a Kamāli‘i Wahine (princess), and various attendants representing those in the courts of Hawai‘i’s past rulers. Chanting, hula kahiko, and an offering of symbolic gifts to the ali‘i accompanied the investiture as strict protocols were observed. The Royal Court of 2017 was honored by making their final appearance, and the Royal Court of 2018 was installed, and ceremoniously adorned with the accouterments of their ali‘i status such as royal cloaks, helmets, head lei of feathers, and other symbols of their reign. The Aloha Festivals Royal Court members possess a royal demeanor and a strong dedication to the perpetuation of their Hawaiian culture. This year the Mō‘ī Kāne is Paisley Paiea Kamahoahoa, Mō‘ī Wahine is Virginia Poho Anakalea, Kamāli‘i Kāne is Kūpaʻaikeolaaloha Kekoa Kamakanaokalani Kaleo, and the Kamāli‘i Wahine is Taylor Kanoelani Pacheco.

Aloha Week debuted in 1946. After many decades, the week-long event became Aloha Festivals celebrating Hawaiian culture, music, dance, food, crafts and arts for the entire month of September. Funded by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, and corporate, and private sponsors, Aloha Festivals events are coordinated by a dedicated volunteer board of directors, with event volunteers rounding out the efforts.

If you have dreamed of experiencing the beauty and aloha of Hawai‘i, September is the month to come and enjoy the Aloha Festivals. Participate in events like the incredible 66th Annual Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a, a block party on Kalākaua Avenue which takes place September 22nd, and features local food, Hawaiian music, and entertainment. And don’t miss the spectacular 72nd Annual Floral Parade on September 29th to marvel at the floats covered in flowers, marching bands, mounted paniolo (cowboy) units, and the graceful horsewomen called pā‘ū as they ride by on their horses. Pā‘ū riders and princesses represent each Hawaiian island and are wrapped in yards of billowing fabric, crowned with flowers, vines, berries, or shell lei. Even their horses wear lei representing the bounty and beauty of each island.

Be a part of the excitement of Aloha Festivals events using the following, easy suggestions. Book a Hawaiian Airlines flight which offers direct flights to Honolulu from many gateway cities; on Hawaiian Airlines you can feel the island aloha from the moment you check-in at the airport and step aboard. Then make a room reservation at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, in the middle of all of the Waikīkī action, or stay at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, located on the widest part of Waikīkī Beach. The Aloha Festivals are throwing a big celebration for you. So, what are you waiting for? Don’t miss it.

All Images by @LuxePaths Kurt Winner

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