COURTESY OF PR WORKS Look out for the crowds at the Waikiki Ho'olaule'a tonight. More than 250,000 people are expected to turn out for the event. There will be performances on 11 stages and food booths along Kalakaua Avenue.

Celebrate ho‘olaule‘a

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Star-Bulletin staff

The Aloha Festivals Oahu celebrations continue this weekend with the free Waikiki Ho'olaule'a tonight.

The event starts with the oceanfront arrival of Aloha Festivals royal court members by canoe, followed by a program of hula, chant and hookupu (offering), from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Call 589-1771 for information.

Then, more than 250,000 people are expected to turn out for music and dance performances on 11 stages, while shopping at lei stands and food booths and watching craft demonstrations, from 7 to 10:30 p.m. along Kalakaua Avenue.

There will be a bungee trampoline ride for $2 with your $5 Aloha Festivals Ribbon available on site. Funds raised through the trampoline will benefit Aloha United Way.

The main stage will be at the intersection of Kaiulani and Kalakaua avenues, with entertainment by Keahiwai (7 p.m.); Hobo House of Hits featuring O-Shen, Believe, Namahana and Jamin (7:45 p.m.); Sean Na'auao (9 p.m.); and Three Plus (9:45 p.m.).

Take in the military bands outside the Pacific Beach Hotel. Also worth noting are the lineups outside the Aston Beach Hotel, where Kapena (7 p.m.), Baba B (8 p.m.), Darrell Labrado (8:50 p.m.) and Natural Vibrations (9:40 p.m.) will be performing. A second stage on the Waikiki beach side of Aston, between Uluniu Street and Liliuokalani Avenue, will feature Tani Lynn Fujimoto (7 p.m.), Yvonne Elliman (7:45 p.m.), Inoa'ole (8:20 p.m.) and Kahua (9:30 p.m.).

Call 589-1771 for information.

Here are other Aloha Festival highlights:

Today

>> Seventh Annual Steel Guitar Festival: Germany's Frank Baum joins Po'okela, along with former Miss Hawaii Kanoe Miller, at Halekulani's House Without a Key, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Complimentary valet and self-parking available. Repeats Saturday with Japan's Tom Ikehata and Po'okela. Call 923-2311.

Tomorrow

>> 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.

>> Royal Ball: Aloha Festivals Royal Courts from six islands will arrive dressed in their Victorian finest for this gala dinner and dance event, the finale of this year's Oahu celebration, from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom. The gala will re-create an 18th- and 19th-century Hawaii ballroom, with guests dressed in traditional holoku, Western gowns, tuxedos and formal ethnic dress. Guests will be entertained by melodies by composers of old, in accordance with this year's theme, "Ka 'Uhane o ka Loea" (the spirit of the master). Tickets are $85 per person or $750 per table of 10. Call 589-1771 for reservations.

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