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
1952
The first Waikīkī Hoʻolauleʻa is held.
1952
1991
Aloha Week becomes Aloha Festivals.
Our Staff
Executive Director
Rick Egged
Board of Directors
Tim Deegan
Leilani Kahoano
Charles Kapua
Antoinette Lee
Makana McClellan
Monte McComber
Aaron Mikami
Paul Shoji
Karen Wataru-Nakaoka
Lenny Yajima
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
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 throughout September on the island of O‘ahu. For the full schedule and details on Signature Events, please visit the Events page.
Where is the best place to park to attend the Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a or the Floral Parade
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.
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.
