Hawaii’s Aloha Festivals set to celebrate 78th year with a month of festivities

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hawaii’s Aloha Festivals is making a grand return this September for its 78th year.

This annual celebration invites both locals and visitors to join in a month-long array of free events, including the Royal Court Investiture & Opening Ceremony, the 70th Annual Waikiki Hoolaulea and the 76th Annual Floral Parade, presented by Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach.

“Aloha Festivals is all about celebrating Hawaii’s rich history and traditions with both kamaaina and malihini,” said Debbie Nakanelua-Richards, co-chair of Aloha Festivals. “It’s a chance for locals to come together with family and friends and for visitors to experience a true slice of Hawai‘i’s diverse culture.”

The events schedule is as follows:

Royal Court Investiture & Opening Ceremony

Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 │4 – 6 p.m.

Helumoa Gardens at The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort | The Royal Grove at Royal Hawaiian Center

70th Annual Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a

Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024 │ 6 – 9:30 p.m.

Kalākaua Avenue

76th Annual Floral Parade presented by ‘Alohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach

Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 │ 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

From Ala Moana Park through Kalākaua Avenue to Kapi‘olani Park

Viewers at home can catch the excitement of the annual floral parade by tuning into the official broadcast and livestream Sept. 28, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. on KHII and KHON2.com

This year, the festivities are centered around the theme ʻAʻa I Ka Hula, which means to be brave in hula.

The phrase is derived from the saying, ʻAʻa i ka hula, waiho ka hilahila ma ka hale, meaning that when one wants to dance the hula, shyness should be left behind.

The theme celebrates the resilience of hula through its history, from its suppression and near extinction to its vibrant revival.

Aloha Festivals will honor those who preserved hula, the pioneers who shared it with the world, and the current practitioners who keep the tradition alive.

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This year’s events promise to be a meaningful tribute to the cultural legacy of Hawaii.