Aloha Festivals
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The Aloha Festivals is an annual series of free cultural celebrations observed in the state of Hawaii in the United States. It is the only statewide cultural festival in the nation. It features concerts, parades, street parties called ho‘olaule‘a as well as various other special events planned for resident and tourist families. The Aloha Festivals are celebrated on six islands — Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and the Big Island of Hawaii — over the course of six weeks in September and October.
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[edit] Establishment
In the spirit of preserving the Hawaiian culture and heritage, the Aloha Festivals were established in 1946 as Aloha Week by former members of the local Junior Chamber of Commerce. The main highlight of the original Aloha Week was the presentation of the Royal Court and a floral parade, a two hour parade eastbound on Ala Moana Boulevard and Kalakaua Avenue through Downtown Honolulu, Kakaako, Ala Moana and Waikiki. In 1991, Aloha Week was expanded and became the Aloha Festivals. The Royal Court was continued and the floral parade became one of the largest of its kind in the world. It also continued the tradition of starting the parade at Iolani Palace, the home of Hawaii's last reigning monarch.
[edit] Themes
Each year has a specific theme:
- 2005: Na Honu Hawai‘i ("The Spirit Within")
- 2004: No Na Kamali`i ("For the Children")
- 2003: E Mau Ana Ka Hula I Ke Kanaka ("Hula Lives Through Its People")
- 2002: Ka 'Uhane O Ka Loea ("The Spirit of the Masters")
- 2001: Ho`ohanohano I Na Holokai ("Honor the Voyagers")
- 2000: He Makana O Na Lei Nani ("A Gift of Beautiful Leis")
- 1999: Hui Pu I ka Hula ("Together in Song and Dance")
- 1998: Ola Ka 'Oiwi ("The Natives Endure")
[edit] Participation
Approximately 30,000 people volunteer to plan, organize and provide labor for the Aloha Festivals each year. Their efforts entertain over 1,000,000 people from throughout the state and visitors from all over the world.
[edit] Fundraising
Funding for the Aloha Festivals have been historically provided through a public corporation. The corporation collected donations with the distribution of elaborately decorated pins and ribbons — each island was represented by a distinctive color. Most recent Aloha Festivals have been funded through private corporate sponsorships. Currently, the Aloha Festivals are funded by Hawaiian Airlines and its parent company.
