Annually, the Hawaiian capital, Honolulu, turns into a real festival town with ongoing parades, dances, and concerts in the warm, welcoming spirit of Aloha. Hawaiian people celebrate and demonstrate their culture with a series of interesting and enriching events in Honolulu, Oahu, in September. With traditional hula dances and chants, floral parades, bright clothes, and beautiful songs, you can participate in a great celebration in the heart of Hawaii, which brings together one million people annually.
Aloha Festival Events
The range of the events starts with the Investiture & Opening Ceremony in early September, followed by Waikiki Hoolaulea, and, finally, the Floral Parade in late September. Dates vary each year, so make sure to check the exact dates to be in the right place at the right time.
Royal Court Investiture & Opening Ceremony (September 7, 2024)
A solemn ritual of the Hawaiian culture, the Royal Court Investiture & Opening Ceremony is meant to embody the customs and rituals of Moku o Keawe, the Hawaiian islands. During this official service, the Aliʻi nui, a name given to the ruling chiefs of four main islands, are acknowledged by traditional attire. The regalia includes a helmet, haku lei, which is a feather headdress, and the royal cloak.
After the investiture, locals perform hula, a Hawaiian dance, and enjoy traditional music. The ceremony spans from 4 until 6 pm, with investiture taking place at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and the opening ceremony unfolding at the Royal Hawaiian Center.
Annual Waikīkī Hoʻolauleʻa (September 21, 2024)
After the official functions, it's time to experience the soul of Hawaii in the form of a massive block party. Located at the beachfront of Waikiki Bay, Kalākaua Avenue serves as a perfect spot for this outdoor bash. Local vendors set up stalls and booths all along the road, offering traditional Hawaiian cuisine, like huli huli chicken, manapua, fish tacos, and more.
Skilled artisans sell hand-made lei and other cultural accessories. You'll find several stages on Kalākaua Avenue with musicians of Hawaiian heritage performing the best of local music and dance ensembles stunning the crowds with hālau hula display. The party spans from 6 pm until 9:30 pm.
Annual Floral Parade (September 28, 2024)
The culmination of the joyful Aloha Festivals month is the vibrant floral parade, which sets off from Ala Moana Park. The procession slowly moves down the Kalākaua Avenue to Kapi‘olani Beach Park. The roads are filled to the brim with colorful floats and people dressed in vivid costumes adorned with flowers.
Marching bands, local organizations, and dance ensembles all greet the crowds lining up the streets of the Waikiki neighborhood. A highlight of the parade are the pāʻū riders, mainly women dressed in gorgeous dresses and flower wreaths. The parade begins in the early morning at 9 am and lasts approximately three hours until 12 pm.
