Aloha Festival! You lovely folks. How’s life going? Probably good! That’s our wish for each of you. You must have heard about the West Maui Wildfire Disaster in the last few weeks. It was an unfortunate event that has primarily impacted the lives of citizens and wildlife in Maui. However, the proven reason behind this disaster is still being investigated. The areas of West Maui were largely affected by this wildfire, but the condition is under control now. Other than West Maui, all other areas are welcome for visitors. Life is all about bad and good times, and thankfully, Maui’s dark phase is over. Yes, the loss is humongous in the disaster, but moving forward and turning your head to welcome a light is best. A ray of light that will promote happiness, hope, love, and unity. And that ray of light is indeed Aloha Festival. Why don’t you visit Maui with kids to show your love and support for victims of wildfire disasters while also doing a family adventure?
Imagine singing lyrics of Hawaii Aloha, ‘E Hawai’i e ku’u one hanau e, Ku’u home kulaiwi nei, ‘Oli no au I na pono lani ou, E Hawai’i, aloha e,’ in Maui with locals. That would be so fun. Let’s discuss more about the Aloha Festival and its 2023 edition. Moreover, we’ll also tell you how you can explore Maui in the meantime during the Aloha Festival.
Tracing the Rich History of the Aloha Festival:
The Aloha festival is one of the popular events in America that showcases the rich culture of Hawaii and features a special festival theme each year. Regarded as the oldest American festival, which was started in 1946, the Aloha Festival is like a celebration of unity, integrity, and brotherhood. The festival is celebrated for almost one month and includes:
- Street parties.
- Parades.
- Music & dance performances.
- Food & wine festival honoring the vibrant Hawaiian culture.
The most famous attraction of this festival is undoubtedly the Aloha Parade, with beautiful floats adorned in vibrant Hawaiian flowers, marching bands, and Pau Riders. The Aloha Festival Parade is like a lifetime experience.
Aloha Festival 2023: Celebrating Heritage, Diversity, and Community
Every year, both Hawaiian citizens and tourist eagerly awaits the arrival of the Aloha Festival with anticipation and excitement. However, this year has another level of excitement and enthusiasm. After the unfortunate wildlife disaster in Maui, people all over Hawaii want to honor the victims of this. Therefore, we can expect a huge number of visitors to the festival. Unlike last year’s theme of Aloha’ Āina, Aloha Festivals will go deeper to stimulate the pure relationship between people and Hawaiian land. Yes, many of you could have guessed right – Piliʻāina is the official theme of the 2023 Aloha Festival. ‘Pili,’ the Hawaiian word, means developing an unbreakable bond with something or someone.
A Monthly Aloha Festival 2023 Calendar: Schedule of Main Events
Commencement of the Royal Court Investiture Ceremony:
Date: September 9th, 2023
Day: Saturday
Time: 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Venue: Coconut Grove at The Royal Hawaiian, on the Island of O’ahu in Waikiki
Highlights: The big royal ceremony will begin by honoring Hawai’ ‘i’s ali’I’ (ruling chiefs). It also includes Hulu and musical performances following the royal investiture.
Vibrant Celebrations at the 69th Annual Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a:
Date: September 23rd, 2023
Day: Saturday
Time: 6:00 – 9:30 PM
Venue: Kalākaua Avenue
Highlights: This beachfront street festival hosts Hawaii’s biggest block support that features mouth-watering Hawaiian dishes, stunning traditional accessories, and performances by chart-topping local artists.
Dazzling 75th Annual Floral Parade by ʻAlohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach:
Date: September 30th, 2023
Day: Saturday
Time: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Venue: From Ala Moana Park through Kalākaua Avenue to Kapi‘olani Park
Highlights: The Aloha Festival will officially end with the Floral Parade, which features marching bands, stunning floats designed with vibrant flowers, groups of men and women on horses, and other entertainment.
Important Information on the Aloha Festival:
The Aloha festival is celebrated annually mainly on the big four islands- O’ahu (where the capital city Honolulu is located, Hawai’i, Maui, and Kaua’i. The main events are organized on the island of O’ahu, where the capital city and the Royal court are also located. At the same time, other islands organize local events and performances. Therefore, you can visit O’ahu on weekends to witness the main events and fly to Maui with kids to explore the island. Now, the question arises: What to do on weekdays in Maui? Well, we have an answer for it.
Stardust Hawaii: Offering Adventurous Weekdays Tour Amid Aloha Festival
The main events of the Aloha Festival will be in O’ahu on weekends only. Therefore, you will have plenty of time to explore Maui on weekdays. Considering Stardust Hawaii’s numerous adventurous tours and trips will be best. Stardust Hawaii is a leading tourist agency renowned for providing the safest Hawaiian activities for kids and exciting tours in Maui & nearby areas. As a top tourist company, we achieved a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence in 2012 for exciting tour services.
An Array of Thrilling Tours: Crafting Unforgettable Memories
Stardust Hawaii provides numerous exciting tour services you can enjoy on the weekdays during the Aloha Festival.
1. Maui Treasure Hunt:
Designed especially for kids, Maui Treasure Hunt will promote motor skills, collaborative values, and teamwork in your little ones. This 3-hour adventure involves mild hiking, swimming at the beach, and traditional Hawaiian activities.
2. Road Trip to Hana:
Hana is one of the most beautiful places in the world, known for its lush environment and stunning landscapes. Amid the Aloha Festival, a road trip to Hana on a weekday will be your perfect family adventure. Our professional tour guides will make you explore all the famous destinations of Hana, including Haleakala National Park and Waimoku Falls. And guess what? Our road trip will be provided in a luxurious Mercedes Sprinter Van.
3. Paragliding from Haleakala Mountain Range:
Want to witness the divine beauty of Maui soaring above the clouds? Then, our paragliding service is for you. Though kids aren’t allowed to do this, it would be best to relive your younger days as a parent by paragliding.
Creating a Well-Structured Itinerary for Your Hawaii Visit:
Here, we have created a well-structured schedule for your Hawaii visit. So that you could enjoy the Aloha Festival as well as Stardust Hawaii’s thrilling tour services.
September 7th: Reach Hawaii by flight and take some rest
September 8th: Explore the island of O’ahu’
September 9th: Royal Court Investiture Ceremony
September 10th: Pre-book Stardust Hawaii’s Road Trip to Hana, choosing the day of the trip as you wish. For now, let’s just say you booked for September 18th.
September 11th to 15th: Enjoy local events and performances at O’ahu’
September 16th: Visit Maui with kids
September 17th: Stay at the hotel for some rest
September 18th: Enjoying a Road Trip to Hana
September 19th to 20th: Have some rest at the hotel and explore the local areas of Maui
September 20th: Come back to O’ahu’
September 21st: Pre-booking of Stardust Hawaii’s Kids Treasure Hunt. For now, let’s just assume you booked for September 25th.
September 22nd: Chill out at the hotel
September 23rd: Enjoying at 69th Annual Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a
September 24th: Book a flight to Maui and reach your hotel
September 25th: If your kid is under 6, accompany them through the treasure hunt. If not, Stardust Hawaii’s professionals will care for them throughout the adventure.
September 26th: Come back to O’ahu’
September 27th: Have some rest at the hotel
September 28th: Visiting top restaurants of O’ahu’ to try delicious food
September 29th: Exploring top locations of the island
September 30th: Creating unforgettable memories at the 75th Annual Floral Parade
Isn’t this a great itinerary for your visit to Hawaii in Maui?
Wrapping Up:
Amid the aftermath of the West Maui Wildfire Disaster, Hawaii shines bright with unity and celebration. Experience the heartwarming Aloha Festival, honoring victims while embracing hope, love, and unity. Discover the historical essence of this festival, witness vibrant parades, and immerse in island culture. Make your weekdays as exciting as weekends with Stardust Hawaii’s adventurous tours. Explore Maui with kids, take thrilling road trips, and indulge in paragliding. Craft your perfect Hawaii itinerary for an unforgettable journey.