Aloha Festivals Part 2 – Floral Parade

Aloha! We talked about the Waikiki Ho’olaule’a as being the kick off celebration of the annual Aloha Festivals in Part 1. Now let’s talk about the Floral Parade that was held on Saturday. With the festival theme being “Hula: The Art of Hawaiian Dance,” the parade featured numerous halau (hula groups) and their floats. The Parade is probably the highlight of the Aloha Festivals celebrations. It beautifully represents the cultures and traditions of Hawaii. The children love the horses, the beautiful princesses and the marching bands.


Once again it was down Waikiki’s Kalakaua Avenue. It started at 9:00 am from Ala Moana Park. It must have been about 10:00 am when the Parade reached the beginning of Waikiki. And the crowds had secured their favorite spots along both sides of Kalakaua Avenue.


Mayor Mufi Hanneman who is seeking his second term in this year’s Honolulu mayoral election lead the Parade. You gotta give credit to Mufi. He always supports our festivals and parades. He always participates in our Honolulu Festival. And he always walks the parade, waving at the crowds and talking story with the spectators. I guess being 6’7” and having long legs help. But I think that the truth is that he loves parades!
Next is the popular Royal Hawaiian Band.
Then the Kamehameha School Marching Band, always a winner at the marching band competitions.

Here is a pa’u (equestrian) rider near the Royal Hawaiian Center and the Waikiki Shopping Plaza.

The VIP stand is located right next to this area. The emcee explains the parade participants from here so it is a good place to be if you want to hear the explanations.
However, for picture taking purposes…


I suggest the areas with the beach and palm trees in the background.


How about this?
Don’t you think that this area is more Hawaiian?



And speaking of Hawaiian, here is Hawaiian Airlines’ float. Just beautiful!

The popular pa’u units representing our islands. The princesses are dressed magnificently in their color (each island has their own color) with matching floral leis. So elegant and so powerful!

Here’s the Big Island.　The passionate color, crimson.


Next is Oahu…bright yellow.



The hair decorations of the princesses…so elaborate and gorgeous.



And look at the floral decorations on the horses. So ornate and colorful!

Maui is pink.





Molokai is lime green.


The pooper scooper cart even matches.

Each pa’u unit has its own pooper scooper cart. Right on.

Then there’s Kauai, Niihau, Lanai and Kahoolawe. All the units are so beautiful.



The men and women of our armed forces march.



The Honolulu Boys Choir dressed in their parade best.


Our high school marching bands.
There’s the Farrington High School Band, alma mater of our Honolulu Festival Secretary Nabe-san.


Here comes Miss Hawaii. She danced along with Manoa DNA at the Ho’olaule’a just last night. Busy lady.


Hula, The Art of Hawaiian Dance
The Aloha Festivals theme was well represented by the halau floats.


The hula dancers of each halau performed on the floats.



The Aloha Festivals Floral Parade ended at Kapiolani Park around noon. What a nice way to spend the morning! This is a special event that will remain in my thoughts for a long time.
Mahalo. Stay tuned for Part 3.

Honolulu Festival Foundation

Aloha Festivals Part 1 - Waikiki Ho'olaule'a

The 62nd Annual Aloha Festivals began its celebrations in Honolulu this past weekend. What is known today as Aloha Festivals was created in 1946, as Aloha Week - a cultural celebration of Hawaii’s music, dance and history intended to perpetuate our unique traditions. This is the oldest and largest Hawaiian cultural statewide celebration in the United States. The events are held throughout the month of September, each island creating their own unique festivities.


The Aloha Festivals faced economic challenges recently and there were even thoughts of discontinuing it. The festival theme, “Hula: The Art of Hawaiian Dance,” energized the community, especially the hula enthusiasts, and with the support of local volunteers and sponsors the Aloha Festivals proved to be a success once again. It is through the sale of Aloha Festivals ribbons and merchandise, corporate and private donations, and the support of thousands of volunteers that the Aloha Festivals will prevail. Please support this wonderful event.


Let me tell you about the Waikiki Ho’olaule’a that took place Friday evening. “Ho’olaule’a” means “celebration”, and what a wonderful way to kick off the Aloha Festivals with a block party spread along Waikiki’s Kalakaua Avenue from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. Five stages of entertainment focused on hula and Hawaiian music. Food and beverage vendors, lei makers and crafts merchants made for a wonderful variety of activities.

Crowds of people down Kalakaua Avenue, around 6:30 pm.


The wonderful aromas of food attract the hungry crowd.

So much food to choose from!
 

Hearty Bar-B-Q…so ono, yummy!
 


There were many craft booths however the lei stands are the favorites at the Aloha Festivals.
 


Over 56 vendors participated this year.
T-shirts with lei decorations.
 



You must support the Aloha Festivals and buy ribbons for $5.
Just like our Honolulu Festival, the Aloha Festivals is a non-profit organization and relies strictly on the donations and support of its sponsors and volunteers. It is a festival truly of the people of Hawaii by the people of Hawaii. Donations are tax deductible and welcomed.

The arrival of the Royal Court kicks off the Ho’olaule’a.
 

This is a tradition that has been carried on for 62 years.

Next are the hula performances.
 


Manoa DNA on stage.


As they were participants in our 14th Annual Honolulu Festival, Manoa DNA has a special place in my heart.
 



From left are Dad, Alex and Nick. The Kawakami Family lives in Manoa. Take their initials and thus their name, Manoa DNA.


Manoa DNA with Miss Hawaii.


…with Miss Aloha Hula.

Their beautiful hula…simply mesmerizing.


Other performers on stage who previously participated in our Honolulu Festival included Maunalua, Raiatea Helm and Taimane Gardner.

The Aloha Festivals Waikiki Ho’olaule’a was so much fun. Please stay tuned for Part 2.

Honolulu Festival Foundation

“Heart of the Pacific, Creating Our Future”

The Honolulu Festival Foundation is very excited to announce its sub theme for the 15th Annual Honolulu Festival to be held on March 13-15, 2009.

Throughout the years our Festival has grown with our constant theme “Pacific Harmony” in mind.Our sub theme for the 15th Annual Honolulu Festival is “Heart of the Pacific, Creating Our Future.” As we celebrate our 15th year of organizing this premier cultural event in Hawaii, it is our intent to target our future and grow our programs.

The Honolulu Festival has continued to develop from Hawaii, the heart or “piko” (Hawaiian word for “navel”) of the Pacific. The sense of aloha that is ingrained in the hearts of the people of Hawaii is displayed in many ways. It is “ho’okipa”, the warm hospitality that is shown by the Hawaiian people to the visitors from abroad. It is also “ohana”, the ability to embrace others as family, to accept and include the cultures and traditions of our immigrants from various countries, and thus create a unique and complex culture that is truly “Hawaiian”. In recent years our cultural exchange programs have expanded based on the strong relationships established with our neighboring Pacific Rim countries. It is our vision to pass on these valuable cultures and traditions to our future generations.

The 15th Annual Honolulu Festival will be a milestone, a celebration commemorating 15 years of bringing this cultural extravaganza to Hawaii. We will pull out all the stops in regards to performances, programs and participation. We need your support more than ever.

The Farmers' Market at Kapiolani Community College

There are many farmers’markets held throughout the week in Hawaii. People in general love to buy their fresh produce at these outdoor markets. There are many reasons for this. I find the fruits and vegetables to be fresh. Prices are better too, especially the produce that are homegrown. And as we strive for sustainability within our community, it’s always good to support your local farmers. One of the more popular markets is the one held every Saturday morning from 7:30 to 11:00 in the parking lot of University of Hawaii’s Kapiolani Community College near Diamond Head. It gets busy with a huge crowd every Saturday but you will usually be able to find parking because people are constantly coming and going.

There are over 50 booths. Not only do the booths offer vegetables and fruits. There are plants, Hawaii products such as jams and jellies, spices, honey, salad dressings and much more. You can also buy plate lunches too.

Nalo Farms sell their fresh greens, very popular with the locals and the local restaurants.

Kona Coffee, Hawaiian Chocolate, Ohana Seafoods and Ali’i Kula Lavender from Maui.

Tomatoes on Parade!

There’s a variety of vegetables, some that you wouldn’t know how to cook.

Come and enjoy breakfast at the Farmers’ Market. Or take home lunch.

Local plants and flowers galore.

Sweet Maui Onions.

The Farmers’ Market at Kapiolani Community College is definitely a place that you will enjoy. It’s a nice way to start your weekend. Have fun and also get some of your grocery shopping done!