CELEBRATE HAWAIIAN CULTURE

Hawai’i honours its people, history and customs with the spectacular month-long Aloha Festivals.

In 1946, Aloha Festivals began as ‘Aloha Week’, a cultural celebration of Hawai’i’s music, dance and history. In 1991, Aloha Week expanded to become Aloha Festivals, a statewide celebration of Hawaiian culture with major events on the island of O’ahu. Today, Aloha Festivals is the largest Hawaiian cultural celebration in the US, with more than 100,000 people attending each year.

ROYAL OPENING CEREMONY

The month-long celebration starts with the amazing Opening Ceremony, where visitors to O’ahu have a unique opportunity to witness the re-enactment of the Hawaiian Royal Court procession as well as hula and musical performances.

BLOCK PARTY LIKE NO OTHER

On 17 September, everyone is welcome to enjoy Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a, a huge beachfront street festival featuring Hawaiian music, entertainment, arts and crafts and island cuisine. Taste the best of local flavours from around the island and enjoy incredible entertainment on multiple stages.

74TH ANNUAL FLORAL PARADE

The festivities culminate with a Floral Parade along Kalākaua Avenue featuring pau (longskirted) horse riders, colourful floats decorated with Hawaiian flowers, hula performances and marching bands. Participants – from marching bands to dancers to civic leaders – all display the unique ‘aloha’ spirit that unites Hawai’i’s community.

SWEET CELEBRATION

Shave ice is Hawai’i’s favourite cold treat and rainbow shave ice is the iconic dessert at Aloha Festivals. Shave ice was introduced by Japanese immigrants in the early 1900s who created shavings from large blocks of ice, topped with sugar or molasses. Different from crushed ice, shave ice is more soft and powdery allowing it to absorb the flavours more fully. Today shave ice runs the gamut of colours and flavours.

THREE OF THE BEST

There are some shave ice destinations not to be missed including Matsumoto’s Shave Ice – one of the best-known shave ice destinations in the world. Founders Mamoru and Helen Matsumoto purchased their first shave ice machine from Japan back in 1956, and today, they serve over 1,000 shave ice a day!

Opened in 1940, Waiola Shave Ice is one of the oldest shave ice stores in Hawai’i. Beloved for its soft ice and extensive choice of flavours and toppings that span five menu boards, Waiola is a local favourite.

Known for its fresh fruit toppings and natural ingredients Island Vintage Shave Ice is another island favourite. Signature Shave Ice is served with homemade mochi with popular flavourings including matcha green tea, lychee mint and açaí.

“Rainbow shave ice is the iconic dessert at Aloha Festivals.”

For more information, go to: gohawaii.com/au alohafestivals.com #gohawaiiau @gohawaiiau