The Waikiki Insider: Aug/Sep 2012
Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)/Tor Johnson
Aloha. The word is oft used and has myriad meanings, but it really is a feeling more than anything else. Love, affection, compassion, mercy, sympathy, kindness, grace and charity all evoke a strong emotion. Aloha is also used as a greeting and salutation, and a way to convey your regards. It’s a lifestyle, a philosophy. Songs have been written about it. Hula danced to it. And one of Hawai‘i’s largest celebrations is dedicated to it—the Aloha Festival.
And it’s time for the 3rd Annual Hawai‘i Fashion Week®. Like its counterparts around the world, the relative baby of the bunch is all about designers touting their latest fashions on the runway, with an emphasis on local designers. Hawai‘i Fashion Week® kicks off with a pageant and stages fashion shows in restaurants, clubs and malls throughout Waikiki. For fashionistas—or just those looking for a fun excuse to dine in Waikiki— you’ve got to check this out and support Hawai‘i designers and businesses!
The 66th Annual Aloha Festivals
September 6-22
Various Waikiki Locations
www.alohafestivals.com
The Aloha Festivals was first held in 1946 as Aloha Week. It has become a celebration of our Hawaiian culture integrated with the traditions and cultures of each of the islands through music, dance, cuisine and art. This year’s theme is Ho‘onui ‘Ike: To increase knowledge, enrich. All events are free and open to the public. Don’t forget to buy official Aloha Festival Ribbons and Powerbands at the events to support the festival!
2012 Royal Court Investiture
Thursday, September 6, 3:00 p.m.
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Traditional chant and hula highlight this annual event as the 2012 Ali‘i (royalty) receive their royal symbols of reign during ceremonies.
2012 Opening Ceremony
Thursday, September 6, 5:00 p.m.
Royal Hawaiian Center, The Royal Grove
This ceremony marks the official beginning of the 2012 Aloha Festivals event on O‘ahu. Traditional hula and chant introduce our Royal Court.
2012 Waikiki Ho‘olaule‘a
Saturday, September 15, 7:00 p.m.
On Kalakaua Avenue between Lewers Street & Kapahulu Avenue
Celebrating its 60th year, the largest block party in Waikiki will kick off with the arrival of the Royal Court. Multiple stages of entertainment, lots of food, lei vendors and Hawaiian crafters will be spread along world-famous Kalakaua Avenue.
2012 Aloha Festivals Floral Parade
Saturday, September 22, 9:00 a.m.
From Ala Moana Park, along Kalakaua Avenue to Kapi‘olani Park in Waikiki, a colorful equestrian procession of female and male pa‘u riders (equestrian units), extravagant floats with cascades of Hawaiian flowers, hula halau (troupes) and marching bands.
Hawai‘i Fashion Week® 2012
September 23-29
Various Waikiki Locations
For more information and tickets, please visit www.hawaiifashionweek.info or Facebook.com/HawaiiFashionWeek.
The 3rd Annual Mr. & Miss Polynesia Pageant
Sunday, September 23, 5:00 p.m.
Hale Koa Hotel, Lu‘au Showroom
Media Day
Monday, September 24
Lunch Fashion Show
Tuesday, September 25, 12:00 p.m.
Il Lupino Trattoria & Wine Bar
Royal Hawaiian Center, Bldg. B, Level 1, at The Royal Grove
Sunset Fashion Show
Wednesday, September 26, 6:00 p.m.
Shore Bird Restaurant & Beach Bar
Beachfront, Outrigger Reef on the Beach
Lunch Fashion Show
Thursday, September 27, 12:00 p.m.
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener
Royal Hawaiian Center, Bldg. C, Level 3
Garden Fashion Show & Design Competition
Friday, September 28, 6:00 p.m.
Royal Hawaiian Center, The Royal Grove
Hawai‘i Fashion Week® Finale Event
Saturday, September 29, 6:00 p.m. Hard Rock Cafe
280 Beachwalk Ave., Waikiki
