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Hawaiian Culture Comes Alive At Waikiki Beach Walk For Aloha Festivals

September 14, 2022

Woman in purple dancing hula with her arms up

Waikiki Beach Walk has been committed to preserving and perpetuating Hawaiian culture since its opening in 2007. This commitment is evident in weekly presentations of music and hula, along with singular special presentations throughout the year.
 
For September, there is an amazing lineup of poignant Hawaiian cultural events at Waikiki Beach Walk that will delight locals and visitors alike.
 
This superb schedule of events starts in September with a full resumption of Aloha Festivals and the Aloha Festival’s Royal Court making an appearance at Waikiki Beach Walk.

A GRAND START ON FRIDAY

2 men followed by 3 women, all wearing traditional Hawaiian dress and headpieces.
The Hawaiian Royal Court will be making an appearance at Waikiki Beach Walk on Friday September 16

Since 1946, the Aloha Festivals has showcased Hawaiian culture, offering events encompassing music, dance, and history to educate and inspire an appreciation for native customs and heritage.
 
After being pared down significantly due to the pandemic, the 2022 Aloha Festivals is set to return to the full traditional scope of music, parades, programs and presentations. This includes appearances by the Royal Court.
 
The Royal Court is a grand ceremony with Native Hawaiian representatives dressed in majestic regalia that was worn only by Hawaii’s aliʻi (ruling chiefs) of the highest rank to honor Hawai’i’s royal past.  
 
The appearance is a solemn tribute to the grandeur of past kingdom of Hawaii, and complementing this magnificent presentation is a special presentation of gifts to the Court and a outstanding lineup of hula and musical performances that includes...
 
  • Kumu Hula Blaine Kamalani Kia
  • Hula by The Women of Hālau Ka Waikahe Lani Mālie
  • Hula by The Men of Hālau Kahulaliwai
  • Hawaiian Music by Kekaniwai featuring Albert Kia with Kalei Kahalewai and Blaine Kia (of
  • Kamanawa)
 
Catch this very special event on Friday, September 16 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Waikiki Beach Walk.

BLOCK PARTY TIME AT WAIKIKI BEACH WALK ON SATURDAY!

Aerial view of Waikiki Beach Walk's Plaza stage as a crowd gathers around to view a performance.
Waikiki Beach Walk will have an exciting lineup of Hawaiian music and hula as part of the 2022 Aloha Festivals huge Ho’olaulea

The three premiere events of the annual Aloha Festivals are the aforementioned appearance by the Royal Court, the popular Aloha Festivals Floral Parade, and the equally popular Aloha Festivals Ho’olaulea ...which loosely translated from Hawaiian means “one big party.”
 
For Aloha Festivals, this means transforming iconic Kalakaua Avenue into one of the world’s (and certainly Hawaii’s) biggest block parties, with booths highlighting Hawaii cuisine, crafts and culture.
 
Waikiki Beach Walk will be an exciting part of this with a fabulous presentation of award-winning Hawaiian music, hula and more on Saturday, September 17 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Waikiki Beach Walk Plaza ...which is one of the best places to enjoy Hawaiian music and hula in Waikiki.  

SUNDAY WILL SHINE WITH KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS’ RENOWNED ENSEMBLE

Members of the ensemble lined up in rows facing the camera.
The Kamehameha Schools’ Hawaiian Ensemble will perform September 18 at the Plaza at Waikiki Beach Walk Plaza.
Photo courtesy of Beachboyphotography

This fantastic weekend continues with our special Mele Halia presentation on Sunday, September 18 with the Kamehameha Schools’ Hawaiian Ensemble performing from 5 to 6 at the Waikiki Beach Walk Plaza Stage.
 
Founded in 1998, the Kamehameha Schools’ Hawaiian Ensemble was organized to provide interested students an opportunity to practice, demonstrate and share their Hawaiian culture through mele, hula, and oli (chants).
 
This collection of student talent from across the Hawaiian island chain represents some of the most talented Native Hawaiian youth in Hawai’i today performing an extensive repertoire of Hawaiian songs, hula and chant. 
 
From oli (drums) and hula to singing and playing musical instruments, this troupe exemplifies the mission statement for the ensemble: “School and community service through Hawaiian cultural arts.”
 
Catch this vibrant showcase of talented native Hawaiian youth from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Waikiki Beach Walk Plaza.
 
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#HawaiianRoyalCourtWaikiki
#KamehamehaEnsembleWaikiki
#AlohaFestivalsHoolauleaWaikiki
 
PHOTO CREDITS: All photos courtesy of Waikiki Beach Walk except where noted.