Join the Party! Hawaii 2010 Aloha Week Dates Set.

The dates are set for one of Hawaii’s biggest parties and most spectacular parades — join us for Aloha Week September 18-25, 2010.  This year’s theme is Mele ‘Ailana: Celebrate Island Music (mele are chants and songs).  The culture and history of each of Hawaii’s islands is celebrated in the 63 year old annual event, which is really a series of events.  Its purpose is to "foster the Aloha Spirit through the perpetuation of the Hawaiian culture and the celebration of diverse customs and traditions of Hawaii."

The party — called the Hoolaulea — is Saturday, September 18 in Honolulu near Waikiki.  The huge block party begins with the arrival of the Royal Court, which will been installed a few days earlier.  Many entertainment stages, food and lei vendors and performances of hula are spread throughout 12 city blocks.

The parade is the following Saturday, September 25.  It begins at Ala Moana Park (across from Ala Moana Mall).  The floral floats at least rival, if not surpass, anything seen in the Rose Bowl parade on the mainland.  Hawaii’s floral bounty and diversity is on display, along with creativity of design.  Pau riders celebrate an equine history of the state that may surprise.  I was aware of the "cowboy" (paniolo) part of Hawaii’s history but still awed by the horse and rider ballet, each equally decorated with flowers.

High school marching bands compete in appearance and performance in a way I’ve not seen outside much smaller towns.  It was in watching this parade that I first began to understand Hawaii, as a unique collection of communities and individuals.  I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Posted by Cindy Scheopner  Follow me on Twitter @Scheopner

Published by Bruce Fisher

Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.

Entry Filed under: Customs, Practices and Pastimes,Fun Stuff,Hawaiiana,Oahu

January 28th, 2010