Experience the Aloha Spirit at the Annual Aloha Festival in the Bay Area and Hawaii

Experience the Aloha Spirit at the Annual Aloha Festival in the Bay Area

The vibrant sounds of ukulele, the fragrant smells of kalua pork cooking, and the sight of beautiful hula dancers gracefully swaying their hips in colorful costumes. It's that time of year again for the annual Aloha Festival celebrating Hawaiian culture in the Bay Area! Held every autumn, this lively event showcases Polynesian music, dance, food, crafts and more for everyone to enjoy. Let's take a closer look at what this exciting festival has to offer.

History of the Aloha Festival

The Aloha Festival originated in San Mateo, California in 1975 as a one-day event. It was started by Pauline Ava to share Hawaiian culture with people living on the mainland. The festival proved so popular that it expanded into a whole weekend celebration including multiple locations around the Bay Area like Vallejo, Pleasanton and San Francisco. Over the years it has grown into one of the largest Hawaiian festivals outside of the islands.

Experience Polynesian Culture

At its heart, the Aloha Festival is about experiencing and celebrating the rich diversity of Polynesian culture. One of the main highlights is the live entertainment featuring Hawaiian music and hula. Guests can watch highly skilled hula dancers of all ages perform both ancient and modern routines. The rhythmic drum beats and melodic sounds of the ukulele create an authentic Hawaiian vibe. Several local musicians also perform traditional island songs as well as contemporary Hawaiian tunes.

Tasty Hawaiian Grinds

In addition to great music and hula, the festival has plenty of ono Hawaiian food to enjoy. Vendors serve up popular dishes like kalua pork, lau lau, chicken long rice, haupia and more. There are also tasty snacks like spam musubi and fresh pineapple to munch on. Sweet treats include chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, shave ice, and lilikoi chiffon pie. Make sure to come hungry!

Unique Shopping Opportunities

The Aloha Festival has a wonderful marketplace showcasing Hawaiian art, crafts, clothing and other goods from Hawaii. It's a shopper's paradise with vendors selling unique items like carved wood tikis, Hawaiian quilts, surf apparel, floral jewelry, koa wood bowls, and handmade soaps and lotions. Shop for the perfect souvenir or gift to take home. Support local Hawaiian artists and small businesses from the islands.

Exciting Cultural Activities

In addition to non-stop entertainment and delicious food, the festival offers many cultural activities and workshops. Keiki can make their own lei or get temporary Hawaiian tattoos. Learn to play the ukulele at one of the workshops. Watch skilled craftsmen demonstrate Hawaiian wood carving, feather work, and quilting. There are also educational exhibits highlighting different aspects of Hawaiian history and traditions. Immerse yourself in the Aloha spirit.

When and Where the Festival Takes Place

The Aloha Festival takes place over a whole weekend with events happening on both Saturday and Sunday. Locations include Vallejo, San Francisco and Pleasanton. The festival typically occurs sometime between late September to mid-October when the weather is ideal. Each location has a complete schedule, so you can plan your visit. The event runs from 10am to 5pm so you have plenty of time to see it all.

Where to Go on O'ahu for the Aloha Festival

While the Aloha Festival takes place annually in the Bay Area, you can experience similar festivities by visiting O'ahu during September and October. Here are some of the top spots on the island to check out Hawaiian music, dance, food and crafts.

Queen Emma Summer Palace Festival

Located in Nu'uanu Valley, this historic estate built in 1848 hosts a charming event featuring hula and live music. Tour the palace and enjoy local food and shopping from Hawaiian vendors. Get lei making lessons and watch skilled artisans make displays from leaves and flowers.

Aloha Festivals Floral Parade

One of the most iconic events is the floral parade traveling down Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki. Intricate floats decorated with tropical flowers and plants are accompanied by pāʻū riders on horseback and colorful costumed marchers. See Hawaii's royal court reenacted with a royal march.

Prince Lot Hula Festival

Named for Prince Lot, who helped preserve hula in the islands, this iconic festival started in 1971. Taking place at Moanalua Gardens, it features non-stop hula with ceremonies, group performances, and solo competitions honoring hula experts. Enjoy authentic music and dance overlooking the tranquil valley.

Aloha Festivals Hawaiian Arts Fair

Located at the Bishop Museum showcasing Hawaiian history and culture, this popular fair highlights works from over 100 top artists. Browse paintings, sculptures, photos, carvings, jewelry and more. Experience cultural demonstrations like lei making, kapa printing, and indigenous practices.

Aloha Festival Ho'olaule'a

Translating to "celebration" this lively block party brings Hawaiian music, food, and art to Kapi'olani Park. Sway to performances by top halau (hula groups) and musicians on multiple stages. Sample festival dishes like manapua, haupia, and shave ice from local vendors.

Celebrating the Aloha Spirit

The Aloha Festival is the perfect place to experience genuine Hawaiian culture and hospitality. While hula and ukulele music are highlights, it represents so much more. The festival celebrates the Aloha spirit - a way of living based on kindness, community, and joy. It's about celebrating shared culture, heritage and traditions. Visiting the festival allows you to connect with the history of Polynesia, support Hawaiian arts, and discover the islands' rich diversity. Whether you attend locally or by visiting Hawaii, the Aloha Festival is a vibrant event that gives you a true taste of the islands.

FAQs

What are the dates for the Aloha Festival 2022?

The Aloha Festival 2022 takes place September 24-25 in Vallejo, October 1-2 in San Francisco, and October 8-9 in Pleasanton. Event hours are typically 10am to 5pm each day.

What kind of food can I try at the Aloha Festival?

You can sample popular Hawaiian dishes like kalua pork, chicken long rice, lau lau, poke bowls, shave ice, haupia, and more from food vendors at the festival.

What is there to do at the festival besides the entertainment?

In addition to nonstop music and hula shows, you can shop for Hawaiian arts and crafts, get lei making lessons, learn the ukulele, watch cultural demonstrations, and participate in hands-on activities.

How much are tickets to attend the Aloha Festival?

Admission to the Aloha Festival is free and open to the public. You pay individually for any food, drinks, or items you purchase from vendors.

Where do the hula dancers and musicians come from?

Performers at the Aloha Festival include highly respected halau (troupes) and musicians from Hawaii as well as local dance schools and bands based in California.