Two kings: A son follows his father as Aloha Festivals icon

Wyatt Kamalulani Kahapea admits that it will be hard not to show his joy and elation when making his appearances as king in the Royal Court at the Aloha Festivals this year. His urge to smile, however, doesn't diminish how seriously he views his position.

"I want to make my dad proud. He wanted one of his children to be in the court," said Kahapea. "I've participated in other cultural experiences, but this one provides a means to give back to the community."

Taking on the distinguished role is especially important to Kahapea because he is the first son to follow in his father's footsteps.

Chester Kahapea assumed the role of the king back in 1969. As the elder Kahapea reminisced about the old days, he conveyed a strong sense of cultural pride. "It's very meaningful -- it was very emotional and still is," he said. "We can tell our children things, but they don't understand until they walk that same path."

Chester says he hopes Wyatt has similar positive experiences during his reign.

Watching his son brings back memories of his own experiences. Chester was required to perform community service for a year; this included trips to the neighbor islands, Seattle, and Florida. Chester's Royal Court was even featured in National Geographic.

"Once in costume, the feeling is overwhelming ... you realize what you are representing. It's like the ancient alii monarch is with you," Chester said. "Hawaiians believe that spirits are all around us. Our kupuna are always with us."

Wyatt's mother, Chubby Kuuipo Kahapea, has also participated in the court.

"I'd be crying and not even sure why. We just wanted to make sure we properly represented our Hawaiian ancestors ... giving the Hawaiians the right light," she said. "We are so proud that our son will be king."

But she admitted jokingly, "It's hard enough to live with one king in the house, and now I have two."

Chubby also believes the Aloha Festivals will afford her son a deeper cultural pride.

"I don't think my husband had as much pride being Hawaiian as he does now. The depth of cultural pride had to be shown to him. I think the same is true for younger Kamalulani (Wyatt)," she said.

This year's theme, "Hula, The Art of Hawaiian Dance," celebrates Hawaii's history through the art form. Events will take place during one weekend on Oahu, with an additional weeklong celebration in Waianae.

Aloha Festivals has been scaled back this year, but the cultural emphasis continues. The role of the Royal Court is to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture and traditions, and events are designed to remind people about the history and heritage of Old Hawaii.

Other 2008 court members include Tracey Lokelani Keli'iho'omalu as queen, Justy Keikiliiliionalani Kalilimoku as prince and Elise Ululani Kahikina as princess. Court members are selected by a special committee and must be at least part-Hawaiian.

As to the future, the Kahapea men worry about talk that the Aloha Festivals will be in jeopardy after this year.

"They said this might be the last year. I hope it's not true," Wyatt said. "Maybe one of my kids could carry on the tradition."

Chester added, "I don't care how bad the economy is. The tourist industry and government have to step up to keep these kinds of things going. If they want the world to continue to see Hawaii, they need to step up to the plate and support it."

Got your ribbon?

By wearing an Aloha Festivals ribbon, supporters will not only receive discounts at local hotels and businesses, they'll also take part in a sweepstakes giveaway. Among prizes are neighbor island trips, a trip to Manila and one to the South Pacific.

Food and beverage specials include discounts at Hakone: 20 percent off the sushi and appetizer bar on Wednesdays and Thursdays and 10 percent off the sushi and dinner buffet on Saturdays and Sundays after 8 p.m. Hakone is located at Hawaii Prince Hotel. At the Prince Court, ribbon wearers receive a 10 percent dining discount at breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner.

Hotel discounts include the Ala Moana Hotel ($159 per night); Embassy Suites (starting at $199); Moana Surfrider (starting at $170); Double Tree Alana Waikiki or Miramar at Waikiki ($99); and Waikiki Gateway Hotel ($75).

The Aqua Aloha Surf & Spa, Aqua Bamboo & Spa, Aqua Continental, Aqua Honolulu Prince and Hotel Renew will offer a 12 percent discount off the best available rate.

Ribbons are now on sale for $5 at ABC Stores, Ala Moana Center, Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki, Hilton Grand Vacations, Hyatt Regency Waikiki, Kahala Mall, McKinley Car Wash, Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort, Pacific Beach Hotel, Pagoda Hotel & Floating Restaurant, Pearlridge Center, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, Sheraton Waikiki, The Ilikai Hotel, The Kahala Hotel & Resort, Turtle Bay Resort and Waikele Premium Outlets.

Contact Tina Yamaki at 923-0407 or tyamaki@hawaiihotels.org.

Schedule of Events

» Aloha Festivals 2008 Royal Court Investiture: 9:30 a.m. Sept. 11, Hilton Hawaiian Village. Royal Court members receive their cloak, helmet, head feather lei and other symbols of their reign.

» Aloha Festivals Opening Ceremony: 4:30 p.m. Sept. 11, Iolani Palace. The Aloha Festivals Royal Court will be introduced. Traditional hula and chant kick off the festivities.

» 56th Annual Aloha Festivals Waikiki Hoolaulea: 7 p.m. Sept. 12. Hula, Hawaiian crafts, food and live music are all highlights of the Kalakaua Avenue block party.

» 62nd Annual Aloha Festivals Floral Parade: 9 a.m. Sept. 13. Parade highlights include floats with cascading Hawaiian flowers, pau riders, equestrian processions, hula and marching bands. Route goes along Kalakaua Avenue, from Ala Moana Park to Kapiolani Park.

» Hapa Haole Hula Competition Preliminaries: Noon, Sept. 13, Kapiolani Park Bandstand. The event is the preliminary round for the final competition, which will be held in October. For more information, visit www.hapahaolefest.org.

» Aloha Tower Marketplace's Third Annual Ukulele Contest: 10 a.m. Sept. 14 at the marketplace. Amateur ukulele players will compete for prizes in front of celebrity judges. Visit www.alohatower.com. Free.

» "Shop With Aloha": 2 p.m. Sept. 14, Kahala Mall. The Royal Court makes an appearance, followed by hula from Ka Hale I O Kahala Hula at 2:30 p.m. to commemorate Queen Liliuokalani's birthday. Shoppers may also purchase ribbons from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 13 and 14 at Center Court. Call 732-7736.

» 5th Annual Aloha Festivals Keiki Hoolaulea: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 20, Pearlridge Center Uptown and Downtown. Free activities including demonstrations, arts and crafts and continuous stage performances. Also, free monorail rides and discounts from participating merchants with an Aloha Festivals Ribbon. Visit www.pearlridgeonline.com

» Hoike Ike O Waianae: Sept. 21 to 28 at various locations. Events include: Hawaiian astronomy lecture and workshop by the Waianae Hawaiian Civic Club; cultural access to Makua Valley; open house with Olelo Community Television at Waianae High School; Quilt Pattern Access at Waianae Library; Hawaiian language song and competition at Makaha Resort; Royal Hawaiian Band performance and a Royal Court appearance poolside at Makaha Resort.

For more information, call 391-8714, Kaimi Dung at 696-7998 or Nona Lapilio at 696-1217 or visit http://www.alohafestivals.com, unless otherwise stated.