[ WEEKEND ]
PHOTOS COURTESY PR WORKS
Floral floats, like the one above, will be part of tomorrow's parade, as well as pa'u riders.
Aloha Festivals MORE THAN SIX MONTHS of planning and preparation come to fruition today when the 2002 Aloha Festivals kick off at 5:30 p.m. with an opening ceremony on the grounds of Iolani Palace. Now in their 55th year, the Aloha Festivals continue to unite the Hawaiian Islands as the only statewide cultural festivals in the nation.
unite
Thousands of volunteers work months
to pull the cultural celebration togetherBy Jason Genegabus
First conceived by Honolulu businessman Harry Nordmark in 1946, the Aloha Festivals have grown by leaps and bounds in the ensuing 50 years or so. Events now take place on six islands over the span of two months, with thousands of volunteers taking part in presenting the culture of Hawaii to the nearly 1 million people who attend every year.
Following is a partial list of 2002 Aloha Festivals activities taking place around Oahu. Unless otherwise noted, there is no charge to attend the events listed. Visit www.alohafestivals.com for more information and a list of ribbon outlets.
TODAY
>> Opening Ceremony: Traditional hula and chants present the Oahu Royal Court, along with alii from each of the neighbor islands during the official start to this year's Aloha Festivals. The Royal Hawaiian Band will also perform. Starts at 5:30 p.m., on the front steps and lawn of Iolani Palace. Call 589-1771.
>> 11th Annual Hula 'Oni E Hula Festival: Hula halaus from around the state are scheduled to participate in this hula kahiko and hula auana competition. Native Hawaiian craft and implement demonstrations will also take place, 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Tapa Ballroom. Admission. Call 735-1232.
Traditional hula is part of today's opening ceremony at Iolani Palace.
>> Downtown Ho'olaule'a: An estimated 100,000 residents and visitors are expected to take in nonstop local entertainment on six stages. Acts scheduled to perform include Keahiwai, Kapena, Kalapana, Natural Vibes, Sean Na'auao and Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom. From 6:30 to 10 p.m., along Bishop Street from Beretania Street to Aloha Tower. Call 589-1771.
>> Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center: Leilani Alama's Hula Studio performs from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the shopping center's Fountain Courtyard. Parking is available for $1 per hour in the RHSC garage. Call 922-2299.
SATURDAY
>> 55th Annual Floral Parade: Feather lei-makers Marylou Kekuewa and Paulette Kahalepuna serve as this year's grand marshals for the parade. Mounted pa'u units, hula halaus, marching units and clowns will entertain along the parade route. Special guests include Japan's Yosakoi Dancers, the Indianapolis Police Motorcycle Drill Team, Na Paniolo O Kauai, Mrs. World Nicole Brink and Mrs. America Laurett Ellsworth Arenz. Starts at 9 a.m. at the Ewa end of Ala Moana Park and proceeds along Ala Moana before turning onto Kalakaua Avenue. The parade will end between noon and 1 p.m. at Kapiolani Park.>> Family Fun Day: Follow the Floral Parade to Kapiolani Park for a day of patriotic entertainment, food booths, keiki activities and the Honolulu International Bed Race, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Kapiolani Park and Bandstand. Free parking and shuttle service will be available at Kapiolani Community College from noon to 6:30 p.m.
>> 11th Annual Hula 'Oni E Hula Festival: Hula halaus from around the state are scheduled to participate in this hula kahiko and hula auana competition. Native Hawaiian craft and implement demonstrations will also take place, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Tapa Ballroom. Admission charge applies; call 735-1232.
Chinese Lion Dance at the Aloha Festivals.
>> Island Music and Craft Showcase: Enjoy performances by the Hawaii Steel Guitar Association, Na 'Oiwi, Herb Ohta Jr., Maunalua and others, along with a variety of demonstrations and exhibits showcasing lau hala weaving, poi pounding, lei making, coconut-frond weaving, Hawaiian quilt making, lomi lomi and more. From 4 to 8 p.m. at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center Fountain Courtyard.
>> Seventh Annual Steel Guitar Festival: Alan Akaka joins Po'okela during this steel guitar showcase at the Halekulani. Former Miss Hawaii Kanoe Miller will also perform, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at House Without a Key. Complimentary valet and self-parking available. Call 923-2311.
>> "The Monarch Room Presents" Concert: Celebrate the 75th anniversary of the "Pink Palace" with a special concert in the Royal Hawaiian Hotel's famous Monarch Room, starting at 7 p.m. Na Hoku Hanohano Award winners Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom, Melveen Leed, Tony Conjugacion, Ernie Cruz Jr. and Marlene Sai will perform, and Merrie Monarch winners Chinky Mahoe and Howard and Olana Ai will lead performances by their respective halaus. Tickets are $45, with a $5 discount with an Aloha Festivals ribbon. Call 931-7194.
SUNDAY
>> 11th Annual Hula 'Oni E Hula Festival: Hula halaus from around the state are scheduled to participate in this hula kahiko and hula auana competition. Native Hawaiian craft and implement demonstrations will also take place. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Tapa Ballroom. Admission; call 735-1232.>> Seventh Annual Steel Guitar Festival: The Kila Brothers join Pa'ahana during this steel guitar showcase at the Halekulani's House Without a Key. Former Miss Hawaii Debbie Nakanelua will also perform, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Complimentary valet and self-parking available. Call 923-2311.
>> Hawaii Vintage USO Show: This full "USO Review" features '40s-style music and comedy by local entertainers, with proceeds benefiting the Rotary Club of Metropolitan Honolulu; 7 p.m. at the Waikiki Shell. Call 531-5566.
>> Puanani Alama's Hula Studio performs from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center Fountain Courtyard. Parking is available for a dollar per hour in the RHSC garage. Call 922-2299.
MONDAY
>> Kahala Mandarin Oriental Employee Lei Contest: Help select the "Most Beautiful," "Most Creative" and "Most Hawaiian" lei from entries submitted by hotel employees. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Kahala Mandarin's main lobby. Call 739-8667.
Pa'u rider.
>> Na Mea Hula O Kahikinaokalalani, led by kumu hula Karla Akiona, performs from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Sheraton-Waikiki hotel's main lobby. Call 922-4422.
>> Seventh Annual Steel Guitar Festival: Hale Seabury-Akaka joins the Islanders, along with former Miss Hawaii Kanoe Miller, at the Halekulani's House Without a Key from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Complimentary valet and self-parking available. Call 923-2311.
>> Kanilau and Halau Na Mamo O Ka'ala perform from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center's Fountain Courtyard. Parking is $1 per hour in the RHSC garage. Call 922-2299.
TUESDAY
>> The Waikiki Surf Serenaders, a Hawaiian steel guitar trio, perform territorial Hawaiian music in the Sheraton-Waikiki hotel's main lobby from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Call 922-2299.>> Seventh Annual Steel Guitar Festival: Bobby Ingano joins the Islanders, along with former Miss Hawaii Kanoe Miller, at the Halekulani's House Without a Key from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Complimentary valet and self-parking available. Call 923-2311.
>> House of I Hula Academy performs from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center's Fountain Courtyard. Parking is $1 per hour in the RHSC garage. Call 922-2299.
WEDNESDAY
>> Walking Tour of Kahala: Experience Kahala's rich history during this half-hour tour on the grounds of the Kahala Mandarin Oriental from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Call 739-8888.>> Na Mea Hula O Kahikinaokalalani performs once again in the Sheraton-Waikiki hotel's main lobby from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The Aloha Festivals Royal Court will also make an appearance. Call 922-4422.
>> Seventh Annual Steel Guitar Festival: Greg Sardinha joins the Aloha Serenaders, along with former Miss Hawaii Kanoe Miller, at the Halekulani's House Without a Key from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Complimentary valet and self-parking available. Call 923-2311.
>> Kaliko O Kapalai Hula Halau performs from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center Fountain Courtyard. Parking is $1 per hour in the RHSC garage. Call 922-2299.
THURSDAY
>> The Waikiki Surf Serenaders once again perform territorial Hawaiian music in the Sheraton-Waikiki hotel's main lobby from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Call 922-2299.>> Seventh Annual Steel Guitar Festival: Bobby Ingano joins the Aloha Serenaders, along with former Miss Hawaii Kanoe Miller, at the Halekulani's House Without a Key, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Complimentary valet and self-parking available. Call 923-2311.
>> Kilinahe and members of Hula Halau O Kamuela perform from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center Fountain Courtyard. Parking is $1 per hour in the RHSC garage. Call 922-2299.
NEXT FRIDAY
>> Na Mea Hawaii, Learn from the Masters: Watch and learn lau hala weaving, niu weaving, flower lei haku making and stonework from island artisans. A wide range of activities available for all ages. Noon to 3 p.m. at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Tapa Breezeway. Call 949-3989.
>> Hawaii Made with Aloha Festival: Sample a wide variety of locally made crafts and foods including jewelry, coffee, aloha wear and more. Noon to 10 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki. Call 957-0303.
>> Na Mea Hula O Kahikinaokalalani performs once again in the Sheraton-Waikiki's hotel lobby from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Call 922-4422.
>> Seventh Annual Steel Guitar Festival: Germany's Frank Baum joins Po'okela, along with former Miss Hawaii Kanoe Miller, at the Halekulani's House Without a Key, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Complimentary valet and self-parking available. Call 923-2311.
>> King's Arrival: Witness the oceanfront arrival of Aloha Festivals alii and court members by canoe, followed by a program of hula, chant and hookupu, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Call 589-1771.
>> Waikiki Ho'olaule'a: More than 250,000 people are expected along a 2-mile stretch of road fronting Waikiki Beach, with live entertainment stages, food booths, lei vendors and craft demonstrations, from 7 to 10:30 p.m. all along Kalakaua Avenue. Call 589-1771.
SEPT. 21
>> Waialua Taro Festival: Celebrate ancient Hawaiian culture and support the development and production of taro during this daylong event. Live entertainment, food booths, arts and crafts, storytelling and educational booths will also be part of the festival. Wear an Aloha Festivals ribbon and receive discounts at select booths, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Liliuokalani Protestant Church, 66-090 Kamehameha Hwy. Call 637-8269.>> Seventh Annual Steel Guitar Festival: Japan's Tom Ikehata joins Po'okela, along with former Miss Hawaii Kanoe Miller, at the Halekulani's House Without a Key from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Complimentary valet and self-parking available. Call 923-2311.
>> Royal Ball: Aloha Festivals Royal Courts from six islands will arrive dressed in their Victorian finest for this gala event, the finale of this year's Oahu celebration, from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Coral Ballroom. Admission; call 589-1771 for information and reservations.
>> Keolalaulani Halau Olapa O Laka performs from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center Fountain Courtyard. Parking is $1 per hour in the RHSC garage. Call 922-2299.
SEPT. 22
>> Ho'omaika'i Hula Studio performs from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center Fountain Courtyard. Parking is $1 per hour in the RHSC garage. Call 922-2299.
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calendars and events.
