Aloha Festivals The Spirit Within

The Aloha Festivals Floral Parade on the island of Oahu is by far one of the most popular Aloha Festivals’ activities. This year, the parade is set for Saturday, September 17, and spectators can look forward to seeing stately pa’u riders, colorful floral floats, graceful hula halau, and precision marching bands.

The Oahu Aloha Festivals Royal Court, which includes our own Carol Kahili as Mo’i Wahine (Queen), will be presented in a Victorian-style horse drawn carriage, reminiscent of the modern monarchy period in the islands. The parade will begin at 9 a.m. at Ala Moana Park. From there, it will wind its way along Ala Moana Boulevard, turning onto Kalakaua Avenue, and ending at Kapahulu Avenue.

The Aloha Festivals Floral Parade celebrates the beauty and spirit of our islands and her people, and thousands of residents and visitors line the parade route to be a part of this time-honored tradition. Bring your family and friends to enjoy the parade, but make sure you come early to claim the best vantage point along the parade route. And don’t forget to wear your Aloha Festivals ribbon.

The Aloha Festivals ribbon features the 2005 Aloha Festivals logo and theme N? Honu Hawai’i – The Spirit Within. Developed by artist Cal Yonamine and cultural advisor Blaine Kamalani Kia; who also is a cultural consultant for the Outrigger Reef on the Beach, the logo features the honu, or sea turtle. These graceful creatures have inhabited the waters surrounding Hawaii for thousands of years, and the honu is being used this year as a symbol of longevity, peace, and the spirit within for Hawaiians, which is reflective of the spirit of the Aloha Festivals celebration.

Outrigger and OHANA employees in Hawaii have been issued Aloha Festival ribbons, which are to be worn as part of their uniform during the Aloha Festivals period. If guests ask where they can get a ribbon of their own, direct them to any 7-Eleven, Hilo Hattie, or Crazy Shirts store across the state. Ribbons cost just $5 and are great souvenirs for guests to take home with them as a reminder of their Hawaiian vacation.

To find out more about this year’s Aloha Festivals in Waikiki and on the neighbor islands, call (808) 589-1771 or visit www.alohafestivals.com.