Wednesday, March 5, 2014

An Introduction to Hawaiian Festivals



The state of Hawaii is home to a rich Pacific island culture that embraces the spirit of nature and community. Throughout the year, numerous festivals celebrate Hawaii’s past, present, and future. As a resident of the Kalaeloa community, you will be just minutes away from some of the most amazing cultural events you will ever experience. Keep reading for a basic introduction to some of Hawaii’s largest and most popular festivals.

Aloha Festivals
The annual Aloha Festivals are celebrated in recognition of Hawaiian culture and heritage. These free cultural events draw more than one million people in a crowd that includes Hawaiian natives and international visitors. The Aloha Festivals are the largest annual celebration in Hawaii and include events such as parades, concerts, street parties, dance and art demonstrations, and the presentation of the Maui Royal Court. One of the Aloha Festivals’ major highlights is the two-hour floral parade from Honolulu’s Iolani Palace to the center of Waikiki. The 2014 Aloha Festivals will take place this September, kicking off with the investiture of the royal court and followed by traditional chant and hula ceremonies. 

Kamehameha Festival
King Kamehameha the Great is known for conquering and uniting the Hawaiian Islands in the early 1800s, formally establishing the Kingdom of Hawaii. As part of the modern annual celebration of Kamehameha Day on June 11th, the Kamehameha Festival pays tribute to this great Hawaiian king as well as the history of the Hawaiian people and their culture. For over 135 years, the Kamehameha Festival has been celebrated through public presentation of dance, chant, music, and arts and crafts. Modern Kamehameha Festivals also include an annual King Kamehameha Floral Parade and Ho’olaule’a, or “Hawaiian block party” that features hula, food, games, and music.

World Invitational Hula Festival
The World Invitational Hula Festival celebrates Hawaiian culture and arts through the uniquely Hawaiian art form of hula dance. This popular festival features performances and demonstrations that teach attendees about the history and beauty of this traditional art form. Each November, the World Invitational Hula Festival draws thousands of participants and spectators to Hawaii from nations around the world. The ultimate goal of this festival is to integrate people of all origins into the halau hula groups of Hawaii, allowing everyone to experience the Hawaiian feeling of community, family, and culture. Although the World International Hula Festival does include various levels of hula competition, its underlying message is one of friendship, cooperation, education, and spiritual growth.

Are you ready to experience all that the Aloha State has to offer, just beyond your own lanai? Life at Kalaeloa Rental Homes of Kapolei offers convenient access to Ewa Beach, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, and Waikiki. You’ll love our amazing amenities, fine finishes, and spacious rental homes, which are available in 11 different floor plans to suit your unique style and needs. Contact us online to learn more, or check out our website to view our gallery, a list of our amenities, and explore our local Kapolei neighborhood.

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