The Aloha Festivals showcase Hawaii's music, dance and island traditions in a series of events hosted throughout Honolulu from late August through the month of September. In its 66th year, this year's theme celebrates Ho'onui 'Ike (to increase in knowledge and enrich) and highlights 125 years of Kamehameha Schools
The 2012 festival kick starts Friday, August 31 at kama`aina favorite Eat The Street, a food truck bonanza that has become a monthly staple in Honolulu.
This month's Kaka'ako gathering of Eat The Street will feature live entertainment by Blaine Kia, a hula performance by Ka Lei Hula, and a pa'i'ai demonstration. For locals, this one is a must.
For Waikiki, especially, September proves to be a busy month as the Aloha Festivals move along various stretches of Kalakaua Avenue. All events are free, open to the public, and make for great family days.
2012 Events
Friday, August 31, 2012, 4 to 9 p.m.
2012 Aloha Festival Kick Off at Eat The Street
Kaka'ako Park
Insider's Sneak Peek: Enter the Aloha Festival and Eat the Street's Twitter contest for a chance to win one of two Waikiki staycations during the Waikiki Ho'olaule'a on September 15 or the Floral Parade on September 22. Now, that beats trying to find decent parking!
Thursday, September 6, 2012, 3:00 p.m.
2012 Royal Court Investiture
Hilton Hawaiian Village
Traditional chant and hula highlight this annual event as the 2012 Alii receive their royal symbols of reign during ceremonies on the grounds of the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Thursday, September 6, 2012, 5:00 p.m.
2012 Opening Ceremony
Royal Hawaiian Center, Royal Grove
This ceremony marks the official beginning of the 2012 Aloha Festivals event on Oahu. Traditional hula and chant introduce our Royal Court on the grounds of the Royal Hawaiian Center's Royal Grove. Insider's Sneak Peek: Traditional Hawaiian chanting and hula never get old. Worth the trip to Waikiki, especially if you live close by.
Saturday, September 8, 2012, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Pearlridge Keiki Hoolaulea
Pearlridge Center
Insider's Sneak Peek: An affiliated event that is sure to delight Saturday shoppers at Pearlridge.
Saturday, September 15, 2012, 7:00 p.m.
2012 Waikiki Hoolaulea
On Kalakaua Avenue between Lewers & Kapahulu Avenues
Celebrating its 60th year and the 2012 theme of Ho'onui 'Ike, the largest block party will kick off with the arrival of the Royal Court. Multiple stages of entertainment, lots of food, lei vendors and hawaiian crafters will be spread along the world famous Kalakaua Avenue. Insider's Sneek Peek: Waikiki is home to a rather extensive calendar of block parties. This one is one of the best and a worthwhile event if you're up for finding parking (hint: go early and find a space near Kapiolani Park).
Saturday, September 22, 2012, 9:00 a.m.
2012 Aloha Festivals Floral Parade
From Ala Moana Park, along Kalakaua Avenue to Kapiolani Park
A colorful equestrian procession of female and male pau riders, extravagant floats with cascades of Hawaiian flowers, hula Halau and marching bands will brighten Kalakaua Avenue from Ala Moana Park to Kapiolani Park. Insider's Sneek Peek: Though crowded, this really is a favorite island parade. The event organizers tout it as the "must see" capstone event and for a good reason.
This year's annual Aloha Festivals are sure to delight and provide quality entertainment and education for individuals and families alike. Here's hoping you'll find time to enjoy them!
Learn more about ridiculously fun kama`aina activities in Honolulu. Visiting the islands on vacation? John Fischer has some excellent ideas for you here.
Questions? Comments? Please email or tweet me.
The 2012 festival kick starts Friday, August 31 at kama`aina favorite Eat The Street, a food truck bonanza that has become a monthly staple in Honolulu.
This month's Kaka'ako gathering of Eat The Street will feature live entertainment by Blaine Kia, a hula performance by Ka Lei Hula, and a pa'i'ai demonstration. For locals, this one is a must.
For Waikiki, especially, September proves to be a busy month as the Aloha Festivals move along various stretches of Kalakaua Avenue. All events are free, open to the public, and make for great family days.
2012 Events
Friday, August 31, 2012, 4 to 9 p.m.
2012 Aloha Festival Kick Off at Eat The Street
Kaka'ako Park
Insider's Sneak Peek: Enter the Aloha Festival and Eat the Street's Twitter contest for a chance to win one of two Waikiki staycations during the Waikiki Ho'olaule'a on September 15 or the Floral Parade on September 22. Now, that beats trying to find decent parking!
Thursday, September 6, 2012, 3:00 p.m.
2012 Royal Court Investiture
Hilton Hawaiian Village
Traditional chant and hula highlight this annual event as the 2012 Alii receive their royal symbols of reign during ceremonies on the grounds of the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Thursday, September 6, 2012, 5:00 p.m.
2012 Opening Ceremony
Royal Hawaiian Center, Royal Grove
This ceremony marks the official beginning of the 2012 Aloha Festivals event on Oahu. Traditional hula and chant introduce our Royal Court on the grounds of the Royal Hawaiian Center's Royal Grove. Insider's Sneak Peek: Traditional Hawaiian chanting and hula never get old. Worth the trip to Waikiki, especially if you live close by.
Saturday, September 8, 2012, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Pearlridge Keiki Hoolaulea
Pearlridge Center
Insider's Sneak Peek: An affiliated event that is sure to delight Saturday shoppers at Pearlridge.
Saturday, September 15, 2012, 7:00 p.m.
2012 Waikiki Hoolaulea
On Kalakaua Avenue between Lewers & Kapahulu Avenues
Celebrating its 60th year and the 2012 theme of Ho'onui 'Ike, the largest block party will kick off with the arrival of the Royal Court. Multiple stages of entertainment, lots of food, lei vendors and hawaiian crafters will be spread along the world famous Kalakaua Avenue. Insider's Sneek Peek: Waikiki is home to a rather extensive calendar of block parties. This one is one of the best and a worthwhile event if you're up for finding parking (hint: go early and find a space near Kapiolani Park).
Saturday, September 22, 2012, 9:00 a.m.
2012 Aloha Festivals Floral Parade
From Ala Moana Park, along Kalakaua Avenue to Kapiolani Park
A colorful equestrian procession of female and male pau riders, extravagant floats with cascades of Hawaiian flowers, hula Halau and marching bands will brighten Kalakaua Avenue from Ala Moana Park to Kapiolani Park. Insider's Sneek Peek: Though crowded, this really is a favorite island parade. The event organizers tout it as the "must see" capstone event and for a good reason.
This year's annual Aloha Festivals are sure to delight and provide quality entertainment and education for individuals and families alike. Here's hoping you'll find time to enjoy them!
Learn more about ridiculously fun kama`aina activities in Honolulu. Visiting the islands on vacation? John Fischer has some excellent ideas for you here.
Questions? Comments? Please email or tweet me.
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