It's the Waikiki Ho'olaule'a, part of the Aloha Festivals. Beginning in 1946 as Aloha Week, it is the largest cultural celebration in the United States. In 1991 it became the Aloha Festivals. Its mission is to nurture and share the aloha spirit as Hawaiian residents celebrate Hawaiian culture and the islands' diverse customs and traditions. They hold a number of events throughout September and it is exciting that we are here for part of the these celebrations.
As the Hawaiian's proudly explain, "Aloha Festivals theme is "
To increase knowledge, enrich." The Hawaiian value (shared in every culture around the world) encourages all to value knowledge and wisdom as it's passed from one person to another, and especially as it's passed from our
kapuna, our teachers, those who have gone before us."
Our walk this morning saw the preparations for tonight's big street festival in full swing and Kalakaua Ave was abuzz! As well as enjoying the exercise, it was good to observe the festival preparations and morning events, to take in more of the lovely shops and sights along this interesting path that continues down to the Honolulu Zoo.
Walk with us along the exciting and lovely Kalakaua Ave.........................
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| Heading out from our Waikiki accommodation |
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| Lots of nice shops, sculptures and streetscaping! |
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The area around our accommodation was once an ancient coconut grove "Helumoa",
a sporting field, and then the site of a royal residence.
What a transformation to todays up market shops, and the hustle and bustle! |
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| Interesting history and legend about the rooster |
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Visited the famous and historical "Pink Palace" on our walk
"To increase knowledge, enrich." |
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An interesting new shop and Bear Museum
A "hot" job for this bear enticing people in to take a look -
don't know how they can bare it! :) |
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| Cute! |
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| Aunty Bella makes beautiful Lei's |
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| The streetscaping and gardens are very appealing, makes for a lovely relaxing ambience |
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The modern entrance to The Royal Hawaiian
It's always interesting to investigate and enjoy the amazing hotels here -
today a walk through the Royal Hawaiian, one of the first hotels established in Waikiki,
didn't disappoint - what elegance! |
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| This shady, appealing coconut grove sets the mood and atmosphere as you walk into the original hotel. |
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| The iconic hotel is also known as "The Pink Palace" |
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| Immaculate lawns sweep you across to the outdoor dining area overlooking Waikiki Beach. |
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| Stunning flower arrangements using native plants and flowers decorate the halls |
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| Pretty in pink! A very relaxing and enticing walk to the pool! |
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| Huge porches line the ground floor - love the rocking chairs - very relaxing! |
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| Beautiful orchids line the undercover pathways |
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| Jimmy Buffet and his Magaritaville is very popular |
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| The Cheesecake Factory is also very popular - always a line up in the evening! |
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Lots of Hawaiian arts and crafts can be found in the market -
great to explore! |
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| A poplar cafe right on the beach |
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| Saturday local markets and entertainment were in full swing in Kuhio Beach Park |
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| The lineup! Everyone loves to test their skill on the popular longboard! |
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| The beach and ocean pool at Kapiolani Beach Park |
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The tropical gardens and flowers along the walking path are stunning -
beautiful perfumes - the scents of Hawaii! |
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| Surf's up! |
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Lot's of water sports and activities happening on this glorious day.......... |
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The Hawaiian children were having great fun jumping off the
observation groyne as the big waves hit the wall.
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Queen's Surf Beach
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| My favourite! |
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| A long name for a Princess! |
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| Lunch time line up! Must be good! |
The evening festival!
I think everyone in Waikiki was packed into Kalakaua Avenue tonight! Great atmosphere!
There was something for everyone....................
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| Bands |
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| Food and Arts and Craft Stalls |
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| Animated conductors |
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| Orchestras |
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| Singers |
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| Dancers |
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| A singing cowboy - very talented! |
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| A trumpeter - excellent |
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| Traditional song and dance |
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Empty stages! - these people were fascinated by it!!! lol :)
Think the performer was running late - oh sorry, was on Hawaiian time.
Great backdrop - the entrance to the Moana Surfrider Westin Resort |
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The Hare Krishna's even made a noisy appearance -
we all know the repetitive song!!! |
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| The popular Hawaiian band was playing Hawaiian music that became popular during the war. |
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| The thronging crowds enjoying the festival! |
A fabulous day and evening!
Certainly feel "enriched"
Love the Hawaiian history and culture!
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