The 2019 Aloha Festivals, the largest Hawaiian cultural event in the state, will celebrate the ukulele as a symbol of the multicultural heritage of Hawaii.
Under the title "Na Moolelo Ukulele: Ukulele Stories," this year's series of events includes cultural ceremonies, a Waikiki block party and dance and musical performances.
The opening ceremony, which includes hula and musical performances, will be held Aug. 31 at the Royal Hawaiian resort. One of the Aloha Festival highlights is the 67th annual Waikiki Hoolaulea on Sept. 21, a public festival along Kalakaua Avenue with Hawaiian cuisine, crafts and entertainment. The month of festivities concludes on Sept. 28 with the Floral Parade, a colorful procession of Hawaiian culture through Waikiki.
The mission of Aloha Festivals, first held in 1946, is to foster the aloha spirit through the perpetuation of the Hawaiian culture and the celebration of the diverse customs and traditions of Hawaii.