Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 32, Number 9, 1 September 2015 — ALOHA FESTIVALS EVENTS [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

ALOHA FESTIVALS EVENTS

The month of Septembe is dedicated to eelebrating Aloha through Hawaiian music, dance and history. This year's theme for the Aloha Festival is Hulu Aloha or "Beloved Feather Treasures" - appreciating the tradition and craftsmanship of feather works of Hawai'i. The theme will be present in the Aloha Festivals Royal Court's attire, complete with kāhili (feather standard).

ahu uia (cioaks), mahiole (helmet) and lei. All of the Aloha Festival events are free and fun-filled for everyone in the family. Come and partake in the spirit of Aloha. ROYAL COURT INVESTITURE & OPENINO CEREMONY Sat., Sept. 5, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. This month long festival starts on the 5th with the Royal Court Investiture and Opening Ceremony at the Royal Hawaiian

Jotel and Royal Hawaiian Center. Standing on the grounds of Helumoa, where Piincess Bernice Pauahi Bishop's home used to be, the Royal Court members will receive their cloaks, helmets, head feather lei and other symbols of reign. This special event also includes traditional hula and chants right in the heart of Waikīlā. 12TH ANNUAL

ALOHA FESTIVALS KEIKI HO'OLAULE'A Sat. & Sun„ Sept. 12-13 The celebration continues with two days of activities, demos, performances and more at the Keiki Ho'olaule'a located at Pearlridge Center. Bring the whole family down for a weekend of fun. 63 RD ANNUAL WAIKĪKĪ HO'OLAULE'A Sat„ Sept. 19, 7 p.m.-lO p.m. You don't want to miss out

on Hawai'i's largest block party also known as the Wailākī Ho'olaule'a. Located on Kalakaua Avenue, there will be food and craft vendors, activities for everyone and great entertainment. A handful of hula hālau and musicians playing various genres of Hawaiian music will perform. Featured throughout the event are Hawaiian crafts, flower lei and a variety of island foods. 69TH ANNUAL FLORAL PARADE Sat„ Sept. 26, 9 a.m.-noon Wrapping up the Aloha Festivals with a bang is the 69th Annual Floral Parade. Starting at Ala Moana Park, the streets will eome ahve with the colorful procession of male and lemale pā'ū horseback riders, as well as beautifully decorated floats covered with Hawaiian flora and lāuna. Don't forget to sing, cheer, and dance to the joyous Hawauan music, as various hula hālau, and loeal marching bands make their way down the avenue to Kapi'olani Park. For more information visit www.alohafestivals.com. ■