Over 400 Will Dance at Queen Lili’uokalani Festival

Fifty-thousand orchid blossoms falling from the sky and a mass hula involving more than 400 hula dancers will be the highlights of the 2015 He Hali’a Aloha No Lili’uokalani Festival, scheduled for Sept. 5.

The County of Hawai’i Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Culture and Education partners with a handful of businesses and organizations each year to present the festival in celebration of the Queen’s birthday and pays tribute to the historical significance of Lili’uokalani Gardens.

Attendees can expect music, hula, arts and crafts, food, demonstrations, children’s games, and cultural activities.

Entertainment will be continuous during the day-long event with performances by Darlene Ahuna, Kukulu Kumuhana, Taishoji Taiko, Komakakino with Halau Ha’akea A Kala, the Waiakea Ukulele Band, Kanakapila, and Kahulanui.

The festival will kick off with a mass hula performance of the traditional “E Lili’u E.” ‘O Makalapua will be this year’s festival song, written for the Queen as a result of her belief that children were the blossoms of the future. During the performance, a rainfall of blossoms will cover the park.

Activities include a Japanese Tea Ceremony, jumping castle and water slide, nose flute making, coconut weaving, Hawaiian printing and stamp pads, Portuguese horseshoes, Konani game, Hawaiian herbs, and Lomi Lomi.

Food for purchases ranges from gourmet hot dogs to sandwiches, and plate lunches will be available throughout the day. Shave ice, popcorn, cotton candy, smoothies, and floats are also on the menu.

Aside from cultural presentations, food booths, and children’s activities, informational booths from community and educational organizations will offer information and services to interested families.

Admission is free and parking will be available at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium, with transport services free of charge via shuttle between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

To learn more, contact the Culture and Education Division of the Hawai’i County Department of Parks and Recreation.