Embracing the Spirit of the Aloha at Festival of Aloha 2025

Hawaiʻi is renowned for its vibrant cultural festivals that celebrate the rich heritage and traditions of the islands. Among these, the Festival of Aloha stands out as one of the premier annual events, offering residents and visitors alike an immersive experience into Hawaiian culture. Originating in 1946 as “Aloha Week,” this yearly celebration has blossomed into a month-long series of events, honoring Hawaiʻi’s music, dance, and history.

Introduction to the Festival of Aloha

The Aloha Festivals are a vibrant celebration of Hawaiian culture and heritage, offering a unique glimpse into the rich traditions and customs of the islands. This free event is open to the public and features a wide array of activities. Whether you’re enjoying the rhythmic beats of live music or exploring the intricate beauty of traditional crafts, the Festival of Aloha is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the spirit of aloha. The Aloha Festivals are primarily held on Oʻahu, with most events concentrated there for logistical considerations.

Aloha Festival Overview

The Aloha Festivals is a vibrant celebration of the culture of Hawai’i, held annually in the Islands. This free event brings together the community to experience the rich heritage and traditions of Hawaiʻi. Attendees can immerse themselves in a wide range of activities, including live music, dance, and entertainment. The festival also can feature a variety of traditional crafts and delicious food making it a must-visit for anyone looking to embrace the spirit of aloha.

The History Behind Aloha Festival

Aloha Festivals is the largest Hawaiian cultural celebration in the United States. It began in 1946 as “Aloha Week,” started by a group of former Jaycees known as the Jaycees Old-timers of Hawaiʻi. Their goal was to create a public celebration to honor and preserve Hawaiʻi’s unique cultural traditions. The event highlighted local music, dance, and history, and quickly became a beloved tradition.

In 1991, Aloha Week was renamed to Aloha Festivals to reflect its growing popularity and statewide scope. Today, thousands of volunteers help stage the festivals, which are attended by more than 100,000 people annually. Supported by community sponsors, donations, and the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, Aloha Festivals is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that continues to perpetuate Hawaiian culture and foster community pride.

2025 Theme: Ko Kula Uka, Ko Kula Kai – Those of the Upland, Those of the Shore

Each year, Aloha Festivals selects a unique theme rooted in Hawaiian values and traditions. The 2025 theme, Ko Kula Uka, Ko Kula Kai, speaks to the deep connections between the upland and shoreline communities.

This ʻolelo no‘eau (Hawaiian proverb) teaches the importance of sharing and exchanging food as a cornerstone of communal living. In traditional times, families in the uplands would bring taro, poi, and other staple foods to the shore, where relatives would reciprocate with fish and seafood. No one ever arrived empty-handed — giving was simply a way of life.

Today, the theme brings attention to the heart of the home: the kitchen. It honors the farmers, fishermen, chefs, and everyday cooks who nourish their communities. It also highlights organizations working to combat food insecurity across the islands. Whether it’s grandma’s amazing Spam musubi or uncle’s Kahlua pig, food connects generations in a powerful, flavorful way.

Oʻahu: The Heart of the Aloha Festivals

Oʻahu serves as the central hub for the Aloha Festivals. They host a variety of signature events that encapsulate the essence of Hawaiian culture.

Royal Court Investiture & Opening Ceremony

• Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
• Time: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Location: Helumoa Gardens at The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort, and The Royal Grove at the Royal Hawaiian Center

A highlight of the Aloha Festival is the Royal Court Investiture, a tradition that dates back to the early days of the festival. It is a stately ceremony that honors Hawaiʻi’s aliʻi (ruling chiefs) as the Royal Court dons regalia worn only by aliʻi of the highest rank. As representatives of Hawaiʻi’s past, the Aloha Festivals Royal Court is a way for the festival to continue its roots in some of the most important traditions of Hawaiʻi. After the Investiture, the Opening Ceremony will kick off the festivals with hula and musical performances for a special evening in the heart of Waikīkī.

71st Annual Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a

• Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
• Time: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
• Location:Kalākaua Avenue

Hawaiʻi’s largest annual block party at the Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a. Kalākaua Avenue transforms into a bustling celebration featuring local food vendors, artisan crafts, and multiple stages showcasing live entertainment. From traditional hula performances to contemporary Hawaiian music, this event embodies the vibrant spirit of aloha.

Ho’olaule’a Exhibits and Entertainment

The Aloha Festival offers a diverse range of entertainment and exhibits that captivate visitors of all ages. Song and dance performances fill the air with the sounds and rhythms of the islands, while street parties create a lively and festive atmosphere. The Waikīkī street will transform into a treasure trove of vendors offering traditional crafts, such as fresh flower leis, carved bone necklaces, and kapa cloth. Additionally, the block party will have exhibits displaying traditional Hawaiian clothing and art, providing a deeper understanding of the rich cultural heritage of Hawaiʻi. There will be something for the whole family.

77th Annual Floral Parade

• Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
• Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Route: From Ala Moana Park, along Kalākaua Avenue, to Kapi‘olani Park

The Floral Parade brings the Aloha Festivals to an official close with a vibrant visual spectacle, showcasing floats adorned with Hawaiian flowers, paʻu horseback riders representing each island, and marching bands from across the state. You can find a seat near one of the grandstands at Ala Moana Park, Prince Waikiki, Royal Hawaiian Center, and Moana Surfrider. There will be a narration of the parade to help you identify the procession members.

If you can’t make it, viewers at home can catch the excitement of the annual floral parade by tuning into the official broadcast and livestream presented by KHON. Visit alohafestivals.com for more information.

Neighbor Islands: Celebrations Across the State

Hawaiʻi Island: A Year-Long Celebration

Hawaiʻi Island holds an invite-only “Living Treasures” award ceremony for kupuna during their Aloha Festivals. The Island also hosts a flag fishing tournament called the Moananui Ocean Festival. Visit the official website to learn more about the events.

Maui: Festivals of Aloha

Maui County, encompassing Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi, hosts the Festivals of Aloha, a series of events dedicated to preserving and sharing Native Hawaiian culture. These festivals feature hula performances, music, and traditional ceremonies, providing an authentic cultural experience.

What to do After the Festivities

After the Aloha Festivals wrap up, Waikīkī offers plenty of ways to keep the celebration going. Stroll along Kalākaua Avenue, where the energy often lingers with live music at beachside bars, street performers, and festive displays. For a deeper dive into Hawaiian culture, visit the Royal Hawaiian Center for free hula shows, lei-making workshops, or ukulele lessons.

If you’re somehow still hungry, check out a nearby food court, grab a plate lunch at Rainbow Drive-In, or treat yourself to a mai tai and beachfront sunset at Duke’s Waikīkī. Water lovers can cool off with a moonlight catamaran cruise or take a nighttime swim in the gentle Waikīkī surf.

Looking for something more low-key? Catch a torch-lighting ceremony and hula show at Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound, offered several nights a week. Or walk down to Waikīkī Aquarium or Kapi‘olani Park for a peaceful evening under the stars. Whether you’re in the mood to keep dancing or wind down with the sound of the waves, Waikīkī’s got a post-festival vibe for everyone.

Tips for Enjoying the Aloha Festivals

• Plan Ahead: With events spread throughout September, it’s advisable to check the official Aloha Festivals website for the latest schedule and details. The site is updated as the event gets closer.
• Embrace the Culture: Participate in cultural workshops, try local delicacies, and engage with the community to fully experience the spirit of aloha.
• Respect Traditions: Remember to approach all events with respect and appreciation for Hawaiian customs and traditions.
• Educational Offerings: There may be events taking place on outer Islands as well as on O’ahu where you can attend lectures and storytelling sessions about Hawaii, emphasizing the cultural importance of sharing knowledge and traditions related to the South Pacific islands.

Aloha for All

The Aloha Festivals are a unique and joyous celebration that showcases Hawaiian culture in a vibrant and engaging way. With its rich traditions, delectable food, and lively music, the festivals are a must-visit event for anyone interested in experiencing the true spirit of aloha. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Aloha Festivals offer a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories and deepen your appreciation for Hawaiian heritage. Embrace the aloha spirit and join in the festivities for an experience you won’t soon forget.