About Aloha Festivals

Our History

Aloha Festivals is the largest Hawaiian cultural celebration in the U.S. In 1946, Aloha Festivals began as “Aloha Week,” a cultural celebration of Hawai‘i’s music, dance and history intended to perpetuate the islands’ unique traditions. A group of former Jaycees – known as the Jaycees Old-timers of Hawai‘i – had the vision to create a public celebration to honor Hawai‘i’s heritage.

In 1991, Aloha Week became Aloha Festivals. Aloha Festivals has become a statewide celebration of Hawaiian culture with major events on the island of O‘ahu. Thousands of volunteers work together each year to stage the events, which are attended by more than 100,000 people. Aloha Festivals is a community-supported event made possible through private donations, community sponsors, merchandise sales and appropriated funds from the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. As a 501(c)3 corporation, donations are tax deductible and welcomed.

1946
The first Aloha Week is held with a floral parade through Waikīkī.
1952
The first Waikīkī Hoʻolauleʻa is held.
1952
1991
Aloha Week becomes Aloha Festivals.

Our Mission

The mission of Aloha Festivals is “to foster the Aloha Spirit through the perpetuation of the Hawaiian culture and the celebration of the diverse customs and traditions of Hawai‘i.”

Our Staff

Executive Director

Richard Egged

Board of Directors

Tim Deegan
Jim Fulton
Rikki Ho
Charles Kapua
Lurline Kawainui
Antoinette Lee
Makana McClellan
Monte McComber
Aaron Mikami
Noelani Schilling-Wheeler
Tatsuo Watanabe
Karen Wataru-Nakaoka
Tina Yamaki
Alan Yamamoto

Executive Committee

Co-Chair of the Board
Debbie Nakanelua Richards
Helene “Sam” Shenkus

Treasurer
Christopher Lee

Legal Advisor
Phillip Li

Past Chair
Donald Takaki

Jay Talwar
Thelma Kehaulani Kam
John Fink
Haunani Maunu-Hendrix

Directors Emeritus

Momi Cazimero
Stuart Ho
Tina Kaneshiro
Victor Punua
Peter Schall

Frequently Asked Questions ~

Where and when is Aloha Festivals held?

Aloha Festivals is comprised of three main signature events that occur from late August and throughout September on the island of O‘ahu. In addition, affiliated ‘Ohana Events are held across the island at various venues. For the full schedule and details on Signature Events and ‘Ohana Events, please visit the Events page.

Where is the best place to park to attend the Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a on Sept. 19 and/or the Floral Parade on Sept. 26?

For a list of suggested parking locations, please visit the Event Parking page.

Where can I go for Aloha Festivals information on the neighbor islands?

Since 2008, each island has been handling their events independently. Please contact the visitors bureau of each island for more information on neighbor island events.

Who do I contact for Aloha Festivals fundraising opportunities?

We do have special prices for ribbons for those who want to sell ribbons as a fundraiser. For fundraising opportunities or merchandise purchases, please contact our Aloha Festivals merchandise coordinator, Lurline at afribbons@gmail.com or at (808) 691-9103.

How can I support Aloha Festivals?

Thanks for asking! There are several ways you can support Aloha Festivals. Participation and membership application forms are available under the Participate page. Merchandise purchases directly benefit Aloha Festivals and can be found in our Shop page. Lastly, Aloha Festivals is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation and also accepts direct donations.