Aloha Festivals facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aloha Festivals |
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Aloha Festivals
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| Status | Active |
| Genre | Festivals |
| Frequency | Annually |
| Venue | State-wide |
| Location(s) | Hawaii |
| Country | USA |
| Years active | 1946–2019, 2021– |
| Inaugurated | 1946 |
| Founder | Former members of the local Junior Chamber of Commerce |
| Most recent | 2009 |
| Participants | 30,000 |
| Attendance | 1,000,000 |
| Activity | Concerts, parades, street parties |
The Aloha Festivals are a yearly series of free cultural parties. They happen all over the state of Hawaii in the United States. It is the only festival of its kind that celebrates culture across an entire state.
Some of the main parts of the festival include the Royal Court. There's also a big block party called a ho'olaule'a in Waikiki. And don't forget the amazing Floral Parade! About 30,000 people volunteer to help with the Aloha Festivals every year. Their hard work entertains over 1,000,000 people. These visitors come from all over Hawaii and the world.
Contents
History of Aloha Festivals
How the Festivals Started
The Aloha Festivals began in 1946. They were first called Aloha Week. Some former members of the local Junior Chamber of Commerce started them. This group was like a club for young business people.
They wanted to keep the Hawaiian culture and history alive. After World War II, Hawaiians felt they had lost some of their identity. Celebrating their culture helped them feel proud again. It brought out a wonderful culture that had been hidden for years.
Changes Over Time
The festival used to be held on six of Hawaii's islands. But in 2008, organizers had to make a change. Most events were moved to Oahu. This was because they didn't have enough money.
There was even a chance the Floral Parade would be canceled. But kind people and the City of Honolulu helped save it. No Aloha Festival was held in 2020.
Fun Events to See
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Presentation of the Royal Court
The festival starts with a special ceremony. This is where the Royal Court is introduced. Members of the court are chosen from people with Hawaiian family roots. They must also be certain ages.
This opening ceremony happens at Helumoa. This is a part of Waikiki near the Royal Hawaiian Center.
The Floral Parade
The Floral Parade is a big, colorful procession. It starts on Ala Moana Boulevard and Kamakee Street. Then it travels through Waikiki. The parade finishes at Kapiolani Park.
You can see many exciting things in the parade. There are p'au riders on horseback. You'll also see marching bands and hula halaus (hula schools). The Aloha Festival Royal Court from that year also rides in the parade.
The Hoʻolauleʻa Party
The Hoʻolauleʻa is a huge block party. It takes place in Waikiki. At this party, you can enjoy Hawaiian music. There's also lots of hula dancing. And of course, there's plenty of delicious food! Thousands of people usually come to this fun event.
Festival Themes
Each year, the Aloha Festivals have a special theme. This theme helps guide the celebrations.
- 2019: Nā Mo'olelo ʻUkulele: 'Ukulele Stories.
- 2018: No Ke Kai Kakou E ("We are of the Sea")
- 2016: Hāli‘a Aloha ("Treasured memories")
- 2015: Hula Aloha ("Beloved Feather Treasures")
- 2009: Hula ("Let the Story Be Told")
- 2008: Hula ("The Art of Hawaiian Dance")
- 2005: Nā Honu Hawaiʻi ("The Spirit Within")
- 2004: No Nā Kamaliʻi ("For the Children")
- 2003: E Mau Ana Ka Hula I Ke Kanaka ("Hula Lives Through Its People")
- 2002: Ka ʻUhane O Ka Loea ("The Spirit of the Masters")
- 2001: Hoʻohanohano I Nā Holokai ("Honor the Voyagers")
- 2000: He Makana O Nā Lei Nani ("A Gift of Beautiful Leis")
- 1999: Hui Pū I ka Hula ("Together in Song and Dance")
- 1998: Ola Ka ʻŌiwi ("The Natives Endure")
