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Aloha Festivals 2009

Kalakaua Avenue, Hawaii

Honolulu's 61 year-old Aloha Festivals is the oldest and largest Hawaiian cultural statewide celebration in the United States. What is known today as Aloha Festivals was created in 1946, as Aloha Week - a cultural celebration of Hawai'i's music, dance and history intended to perpetuate our unique traditions. A group of former Jaycees - known as the Jaycees Old-timers of Hawai'i - had the vision to create a public celebration to honor Hawai'i's cosmopolitan heritage, yet created a celebration which has itself become a state-wide tradition.

In 1947, Aloha Week was created as a public festival to honor the cosmopolitan heritage of Hawai‘i through music, dance and history. The first Aloha Week was held during the fall as a modern-day makahiki, the ancient Hawaiian festival of music, dance, games and feasting. By 1974, Aloha Week expanded to a month-long slate of activities, with events on six islands. In 1991, it was renamed Aloha Festivals to reflect the festival’s expansion. The festival now encompasses hundreds of events. While each island features a parade and ho‘olaule‘a, or block party, Aloha Festivals also showcases events that are unique to each of Hawaii’s islands.

Event Highlights

Official Name	Aloha Festivals 2009
Location	Hilton Hawaiian Village, Royal Hawaiian Center and Kalakaua Avenue
Date(s)/Time(s)	Aloha Festivals 2009 Royal Court Investiture Thursday, September 10, 2009, 9:30 AM Opening Ceremony Thursday, September 10, 2009, 4:30 PM Aloha Festivals Waikiki Ho'olaule'a Saturday, September 19, 2009 7:00 PM Annual Aloha Festivals Floral Parade Saturday, September 26, 2009, 9:00 am AFFILIATED EVENT: The Keiki Ho'olaule'a Saturday, September 12, 2009, 10 am - 3 pm
Highlight of Activity	Aloha Festivals 2009 Royal Court Investiture Thursday, September 10, 2009, 9:30 AM Hilton Hawaiian Village Traditional chant and hula highlight this annual event as the 2008 Ali'i receive their royal symbols of reign during ceremonies on the grounds of the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Contact (808) 391-8714 or aloha.festivals@waikikiimprovement.com. Opening Ceremony Thursday, September 10, 2009, 4:30 PM Royal Hawaiian Center, Royal Grove This ceremony marks the official beginning of the 2009 Aloha Festivals event on O'ahu. Traditional hula and chant introduce our O'ahu Royal Court on the grounds of Royal Hawaiian Center’s Royal Grove. 4:30P-6:00P. Free admission. Contact (808) 391-8714 or aloha.festivals@waikikiimprovement.com. Aloha Festivals Waikiki Ho'olaule'a Saturday, September 19, 2009 7:00 PM On Kalakaua Avenue between Lewers & Kapahulu Avenues Celebrating its 57th year and the 2009 theme of Hula, the largest block party will kick off with the arrival of the Royal Court. Three stages of entertainment open with hula halau, lots of food and lei vendors and hula crafters will be spread along 12 city blocks of the world famous Kalakaua Avenue. Annual Aloha Festivals Floral Parade Saturday, September 26, 2009, 9:00 am Kalakaua Ave, Ala Moana Park to Kapiolani Park A colorful equestrian procession of female and male pa'u riders, extravagant floats with cascades of Hawaiian flowers, hula halau and marching bands will brighten Kalakaua Avenue from Ala Moana Park to Kapi'olani Park. This “must see” event will pay homage to the art of hula. Contact (808) 391-8714 or aloha.festivals@waikikiimprovement.com. AFFILIATED EVENT: The Keiki Ho'olaule'a Saturday, September 12, 2009, 10 am - 3 pm Pearlridge Center Presented by Pearlridge Center. Phone:488-0981 Visit their website:www.pearlridgeonline.com
Cost (if any)	Free Admission
Contact Info	Contact 808-391-8714 or aloha.festivals@waikikiimprovement.com