Aloha Festivals Receives OHA ‘Ahahui Grant

Aloha Festivals is the recipient of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) ‘Ahahui Grant. The ‘Ahahui Grants program provides funding to eligible organizations hosting community events that benefit the Native Hawaiian community and align with OHA’s goals.

The $7,000 award will be used to support Aloha Festival’s mission to perpetuate aloha spirit and Hawaiian culture through the celebration of the traditions of Hawai‘i.

In 2019, Aloha Festivals will present its three signature events between late August and September including cultural ceremonies, Hawai‘i’s largest block party and more. This year’s festival theme, “Nā Mo‘olelo ʻUkulele: ‘Ukulele Stories,” will celebrate the ‘ukulele as a symbol of the multicultural heritage of Hawai‘i and the instrument’s rise to fame in the islands.

“We’re incredibly grateful to OHA for selecting Aloha Festivals as an awardee for this year’s ‘Ahahui Grants program,” said Richard Egged, executive director of Aloha Festivals. “Since 1946, Aloha Festivals has put on events that share the great cultural traditions of Hawai‘i. The thriving of the Native Hawaiian culture is essential to all that Aloha Festivals does, and we are proud to partner with OHA in this mission.”

Aloha Festivals 2019 Events Schedule

Royal Court Investiture & Opening Ceremony

Aug. 31, 2019 │ 4 p.m. Investiture; 5 to 6 p.m. Opening Ceremony

The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Coconut Grove & Royal Hawaiian Center, Royal Grove

Kicking off the month-long Aloha Festivals, attendees of the Royal Court Investiture & Opening Ceremony will witness the newly-chosen royal court don their colorful traditional cloaks, helmets, head feather lei and other symbols of their reign in a spectacular display modeled after the royal ceremonies of ancient Hawai‘i. The Royal Court Investiture will be held on the grounds of Helumoa at The Royal Hawaiian’s Coconut Grove, the historic home of Princess Pauahi. From there, guests will follow the procession to Royal Hawaiian Center’s Royal Grove, where traditional hula, chants and musical performances at center stage make for a special evening in the heart of Waikīkī.

67th Annual Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a

Sept. 21, 2019 │ 6 to 9:30 p.m.

Kalākaua Avenue

Aloha Festivals hosts Hawai‘i’s largest block party with the 67th Annual Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a. Waikīkī’s beachfront Kalākaua Avenue will be transformed with booths highlighting Hawai‘i cuisine, crafts and culture. Attendees can taste the best of local flavors, peruse artisan-made crafts and enjoy four stages of live entertainment.

73rd Annual Floral Parade

Sept. 28, 2019 │ 9 a.m. to noon.

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

The 73rd Annual Floral Parade, which concludes the Aloha Festivals, features a colorful procession of Hawaiian culture through Waikīkī. Intricate floats will be decorated with a rainbow of fresh flowers. Men and women on horseback will showcase the traditional art of pāʻū riding and participants from marching bands to civic leaders will display the unique aloha spirit that unites Hawai‘i’s community.

To learn more about Aloha Festivals events, visit www.AlohaFestivals.com.