Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 31, Number 8, 1 August 2014 — Aloha Festivals [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Aloha Festivals

What is known today as Aloha Festivals wascreatedin 1946 as Aloha Week, a cultural celebration of Hawai'i's music, dance and history. Today, while eaeh island produces its own series of events under different names, they mostly occur in September and October (the traditional time of Makahiki) to celebrate the Hawaiian culture and traditions as the original Aloha Week intended. Highlighted below are the opening events for this year's festivities.

O'AHU OPENINO CEREMONY

Sat, Sept. 6, 11 a.m.-l p.m. Traditional chant and hula mark the official beginning of the Aloha Festivals events on O'ahu themed "Maluhia Honua - World Peaee With Aloha," celebrating Hōkūle'a's worldwide voyage. The opening ceremony and royal court investiture ceremony will take plaee at Royal Hawaiian Center's Royal Grove. The festival runs from Sept. 6 to 27. All O'ahu events are free and open to the public. For

information, eall 483-0730 or visit alohafestivals.com.

MAUI OPENING CEREMONIES AND WAILUKU FIRST FRIDAY

Fri., Sept. 5, 6 - 9 p.m. This free event jumpstarts the Festivals of Aloha, Maui Nui Style ! with live entertainment, food, artisans, crafters and shopping on Market Street in historic Wailuku town. Proudly sponsored by OHA, the festival comprises events on Moloka'i, Lāna'i andMaui, including special events in Hāna. For information, eall (808) 878-1888 or visit festivalsofaloha.com.

HAWAI'I ISLAND FESTIVAL INVESTITURE

Sun., Aug. 17, 7 a.m. The morning ceremony at Anaeho'omalu Bay begins with pikai, an old Hawaiian custom of purification, followed by an investiture ceremony of the royal court at 8 a.m. To support the festival and be eligible for certain discounts, purchase a button for $5. Visit hawaiiislandfestival.org. ■

The 2013 Aloha Festivals royal court at opening ceremonies at the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikīkī. - Courtesy: Aloha Festivals