Photo courtesy of Mauna Kea Resort.
What is the “aloha spirit?” We know it’s what makes Hawai`i so special. But, it’s also an elusive, intangible sort of thing that we can’t quite put our finger on. While I cannot exactly define what the “aloha spirit” is, I can tell you where to find it.
On Sunday, September 20, 2015 visit the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel at the Mauna Kea Resort. They will be having their 4th Annual Festival of Aloha. Festival of Aloha is a free all-day, family-friendly event. Look for the elusive “aloha spirit” in the warm and welcoming smiles of the hotel employees. After all, this Festival of Aloha was their idea. They wanted a chance to host an event where visitors and kama`aina (locals) could get together to share the best of what Hawai`i has to offer.
Locally Made Crafts
Photo courtesy of Mauna Kea Resort.
Listen and hear the “aloha spirit” in the voices of the craft vendors. Craftsmen and women will be attending the Festival of Aloha from various parts of the Big Island of Hawaii. They will bring with them clothing, artwork, jewelry and more. Ask them questions about their products. They will most likely be humble and careful not to over promote themselves, but listen as they speak with a subtle pride. Their hand-printed dresses and aloha shirts, hand-carved wooden kitchen pieces, and many other handmade items have each been crafted with aloha.
“Ono” Food
Photo courtesy of Mauna Kea Resort.
If you know a little something about Hawaiian culture, you probably know that Hawaiians like to eat. Hawaiians also like to cook. Cooking is a demonstration of aloha, an expression of love for others. Don’t miss the chance to be on the receiving end of this delicious expression of the “aloha spirit.” There will be many food booths dishing up local favorites. Look for the booths with the long lines.
Live Hawaiian Music
Photo courtesy of Mauna Kea Resort.
A Festival of Aloha wouldn’t be complete without Hawaiian music. Hawaiian music is much more than lyrics and sounds. It is the embodiment of culture, and history, and the natural beauty of these islands. When musicians sing and play music, they are also sharing their childhood memories, those things which they hold dear to their heart, and their aloha for Hawai`i. You can hear the “aloha spirit” in the strum of the ‘ukulele, the pick of the bass, and the melody of the voices.
Festival of Aloha a Success
Photo courtesy of Mauna Kea Resort.
Although still in its early years, the Festival of Aloha is already a sweet success. “Attendance has proven that visitors and kama`aina want and appreciate this type of event,” says Mauna Kea Resort PR Director Vicky Kometani. “We’re not exactly sure where the event will lead but we hope, in some way, shape, or form, to always be able to promote “aloha” and we are committed to Festival of Aloha as one vehicle to do just that.”
This Year’s Details
Photo courtesy of Mauna Kea Resort.
Festival of Aloha is open to hotel guests, visitors and residents. Festivities will include live Hawaiian music, hula performances, craft and clothing vendors, food booths (featuring Hapuna Beach Hotel Executive Chef Peter Abarcar Jr.’s famous Hawaiian plates), and a visit from the Aloha Festival’s royal court.
The Aloha Festivals is a celebration that will also be happening in the month of September but on the island of Oahu. Mauna Kea Resort is very pleased that the royal court will be gracing the Festival of Aloha with their presence.
Festival of Aloha will be held Sunday, September 20th at 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel Courtyard and Ballroom located at 62-100 Kaunaoa Drive, Kohala Coast, HI 96743.
Click here for more event details.
