Aloha Festivals

This September, Hawai‘i’s most distinguished cultural celebration, Aloha Festivals, returns for its 79th year. Aloha Festivals invites both kamaʻāina (locals) and malihini (visitors) to partake in its free, month-long series of events including the Royal Court Investiture and Opening Ceremony, the 71st Annual Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a presented by LOTTE Championship, and the 77th Annual Floral Parade presented by ‘Alohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach.

For 2025, attendees can look forward to Aloha Festivals’ three distinct signature events which will be shaped by the theme “Ko Kula Uka, Ko Kula Kai – Those of the Upland, Those of the Shore: Mauka to Makai.” Inspired by an ‘ōlelo no‘eau (Hawaiian proverb), this year’s theme celebrates the powerful connections between people and food, highlighting how the sharing and exchange of food strengthens community and perpetuates Hawai‘i’s culture.

Events Schedule:

71st Annual Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a presented by LOTTE Championship
Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025 │ 6 – 10 p.m.
Kalākaua Avenue
Aloha Festivals hosts Hawai‘i’s premier block party with the 71st Annual Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a. Attendees will be treated to an array of craft and cuisine vendors as beachfront Kalākaua Avenue comes to life with more than 80 booths showcasing food, fashion, and culture, in addition to five entertainment stages. Attendees can taste the best of local flavors, peruse artisan-made crafts, and enjoy live hula and music performances ranging from contemporary, high-energy local acts to the sweet sounds of traditional Hawaiian music.

77th Annual Floral Parade presented by ‘Alohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach
Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025 │ 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
From Ala Moana Park through Kalākaua Avenue to Kapi‘olani Park
The Floral Parade presented by ‘Alohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach will conclude the Aloha Festivals with a procession of floats, vehicles and other parade units through Waikīkī representing the rich diversity of Hawai‘i’s community. Intricate floats will be decorated with a rainbow of fresh flowers, men and women on horseback will showcase the traditional art of pāʻū riding, and participants from marching bands to civic leaders will display the unique aloha spirit that unites the islands.