Posts
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment