Aloha Festivals

Every September, the Hawaiian Islands come alive with the Aloha Festivals. This month-long celebration honors Hawaiian culture and music, attracting over 100,000 participants each year, primarily on the island of Oahu. The colorful Floral Parade winding through Waikiki features traditional hula dancing and the sounds of ukuleles. Additionally, the Waikiki Ho'olaule'a offers modern Jawaiian music, providing a valuable opportunity to immerse oneself in Hawaii's rich cultural heritage.

Royal Court Investiture

Waikiki Ho'olaule'a

Floral Parade

The Aloha Festivals began in 1946 as "Aloha Week." In the post-World War II era, it was conceived by former Junior Chamber of Commerce members to celebrate and preserve Hawaiian culture. Initially a one-week event held in mid-September, it was renamed "Aloha Festivals" in 1991 and has since grown into the largest Hawaiian cultural festival in the United States, celebrated throughout September. It attracts approximately 100,000 spectators each year, with an estimated economic impact exceeding $10 million.

For Hawaiians, the Aloha Festivals represent an important opportunity to preserve their cultural identity. For example, during the festival's highlight event—the Royal Court ceremony—participants don costumes from Hawaii's monarchical era to reenact ancient traditions. Additionally, performances of hula kahiko (traditional hula) convey stories from Hawaiian mythology and history. Craft displays showcase traditional techniques like kapa (bark cloth) making and lei crafting, serving as a platform for passing down skills to younger generations. Furthermore, readings in Hawaiian language and performances of traditional instruments contribute to preserving Hawaii's language and music that are at risk of being lost. Thus, the Aloha Festivals play a crucial role not only in tourism but also in safeguarding and transmitting Hawaii's culture to future generations.

I was overwhelmed by the Aloha Festivals as a visitor from the mainland. I came expecting beaches and luaus but experienced something much deeper instead. During Ho'olaule'a, I learned some basics of hula dancing. The patience and warmth of people embodied what I had heard about the spirit of aloha. By the end of the night, I found myself swaying alongside new friends who were once strangers; it felt like I had found a second home in Hawaii.

• The Aloha Festivals are the only statewide cultural festival in the United States.
• Every year over 30,000 volunteers come together to make the Aloha Festivals possible.
• The Royal Court's feather capes (ahu'ula) can take years to create and are made from thousands of feathers from native Hawaiian birds.
• The festival's theme changes annually, highlighting different aspects of Hawaiian culture each year.

The Aloha Festivals typically take place throughout September.