August 23rd, 2006
The Aloha Festivals
It’s that time of year again and the Aloha Festivals will begin. Some of you may ask yourself, what is the ‘Aloha Festivals’? Well in short, it’s a celebration that showcases Hawaii’s rich cultural diversity such as the Pacific, Asian and Western Influences. You’ll get see, hear and taste many of these different cultures, from entertainment to dancing to music and of course, great food! It’s quite the "party", as I would call it.
Here are some fun facts on this event. It’s a 60 year old tradition which started in 1946. It is the ONLY statewide celebration in the United States. Yes, I said it, statewide celebration. It encompasses over 300 events on six islands and spanning a two month period. Yep, you heard it, two months. Nearly 1 million attend each year to take part in such a fun and spirited event. The festivities start August 25 through October 28. The event is funded through the sale of the Aloha Festival Ribbons or official Aloha Festivals merchandise.
I love attending these events each year. My family and I love it, especially the Waikiki Ho’olaulea, the Floral Parade through Waikiki, the concert at the Waikiki Shell and some of the other activities that they have scheduled at various locations around Honolulu. So my advice to you is, if you are in town between the dates listed, please take advantage of it, you won’t want to miss it!!! For more information or a complete listing of events go to www.alohafestivals.com.
Below I’ve listed some of my favorite events, so mark your calendars!!
OAHU:
Opening Ceremonies at ‘Iolani Palace
Thursday, September 07, 2006 5:30pm
‘Iolani Palace
Aloha Festivals 54th Waikiki Ho’olaule’a - O’ahu
Friday, September 08, 2006 7:00pm
Kalakaua Avenue
Aloha Festivals 3rd Annual Keiki Ho`olaule`a at Pearlridge - O’ahu
Saturday, September 09, 2006 10am
Pearlridge Center
Paniolo Exhibit at Bishop Museum
Saturday, September 09, 2006
through Sunday, September 17, 2006 Museum hours
Bishop Museum, Castle Memorial Building 1st Floor
Aloha Festivals Friday Downtown Mele - O’ahu
Friday, September 15, 2006 6:30pm
On Bishop Street from Beretania to Aloha Tower Marketplace and the Hawaii Maritime Museum
Aloha Festivals Floral Parade - O’ahu
Saturday, September 16, 2006 9am
Ala Moana Park to Kapiolani Park
Aloha Festivals 60th Anniversary Family Fun Day
Saturday, September 16, 2006 12 Noon
Kapiolani Park
Aloha Festivals 60th Anniversary Concert Celebration
Saturday, September 16, 2006 6:00 PM
Waikiki Shell
HAWAII:
Aloha Festivals’ 60th Anniversary Paniolo Concert with Brothers Cazimero
Saturday, September 09, 2006 6:30 - 9:30 pm
Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel at Mauna Kea Resort
13th Annual Great Waikoloa Ho’olaule’a
Saturday, September 09, 2006 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
The Waikoloa Kings Shop
31st Annual Aloha Festivals Paniolo Parade - Hawai’i
Saturday, September 23, 2006 10am
Church Row to Waimea Park
7th Annual Queen Lili’uokalani Festival
Sunday, September 24, 2006 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Queen Lili’uokalani Park - Hilo
Aloha Festivals 13th Annual KWXX Hilo Ho’olaule’a
Saturday, September 30, 2006 4:30 PM
Downtown Hilo
MAUI:
Aloha Festivals 5th Annual Richard Ho`opi`i Leo Ki’eki’e Contest
Saturday, September 16, 2006 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Ritz Carlton Kapalua Ballroom
Aloha Festivals 60th Anniversary Concert with Brothers Cazimero sponsored by Maui Land and Pineapple
Saturday, September 23, 2006 6:30 PM
Maui Arts & Culture Center
Aloha Festivals Lahaina Town Ho’olaule’a Block Party- Maui
Saturday, October 07, 2006 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Lahaina Front Street
KAUAI:
Aloha Festivals Paniolo Ho’olaule’a
Saturday, September 09, 2006 12:00 Noon
Lihu’e, near County Building
The Grand Hyatt Kaua’i Resort & Spa Hawaiiana Festival
Friday, October 20, 2006 10:00 AM
Grand Hyatt Kaua’i Resort and Spa
MOLOKAI:
Aloha Festivals Moloka’i Parade
Saturday, September 30, 2006 9 a.m.
Kaunakakai Town
Aloha Festivals Ho’olaule’a & 60th Anniversary Concert
Saturday, September 30, 2006 11:00 AM
Mitchell Pau’ole Center
LANAI
Aloha Festivals Lana’i Ho’olaule’a
Saturday, September 30, 2006 4:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Lana’i Dole Park