The largest Hawaiian cultural celebration in the country is underway. Aloha Festivals celebrates Hawaii’s music, dance, and history, and is intended to perpetuate the islands’ unique traditions. The month-long, statewide celebration hosts major events on the island of Oahu welcoming more than 100,000 people.
2022 Aloha Festivals Theme
This year, Aloha Festivals is celebrating Aloha ʻĀina, “Love of the Land,” as its theme.
“Aloha ʻĀina compels us to leave a place better than we first encountered it,” as described on its website. “Aloha ʻĀina teaches us that caring is reciprocal: if we care for the land, the land will care for us. Aloha ʻĀina further imparts that reciprocity grows exponentially with time. The more we care for the land now, the greater care the land will have for our descendants. This same love for the land exists throughout the world and is an affirmation of our humanity.”
Aloha Festivals Signature Events
There are three signature events a part of Aloha Festivals: The Royal Court Investiture & Opening Ceremony, the 68th Annual Waikīkī Ho’olaule’a, and the 74th Annual Floral Parade.
The Royal Court Investiture & Opening Ceremony
The Royal Court Investiture & Opening Ceremony takes place on September 10 and kicks off the month-long celebration. In a ceremony that honors Hawaii’s ali’i (ruling chiefs), this year’s Royal Court will don regalia worn only by ali’i of the highest rank. As representatives of Hawaii’s past, it ensures the festival is rooted in the most cherished traditions. After the Investiture, the Opening Ceremony at the Royal Grove at the Royal Hawaiian center will feature hula and musical performances.
The 68th Annual Waikīkī Ho’olaule’a
On September 17, Aloha Festivals will host the state’s largest block party at the 68th Annual Waikīkī Ho’olaule’a. Kalākaua Avenue is packed with booths of Hawaiian foods, crafts, and culture. There will also be top local artists, award-winning hālau hula, and more.
The 74th Annual Floral Parade
The 74th Annual Floral Parade takes place on September 24 as the official end of Aloha Festivals. Thousands of people watch the colorful procession of Hawaiian culture featuring floats decorated with a rainbow of fresh flowers, and men and women on horseback showcasing the traditional art of pā’ū riding.
Aloha Festivals History
Aloha Festivals began in 1946 as “Aloha Week” when a group of former Jaycees, known as the Jaycees Old-timers of Hawaii, had the vision to create a public celebration to honor the heritage. It was held with a floral parade through Waikīkī. In 1991, it became Aloha Festivals.
To learn more about travel experiences in Hawaii, check out:
