73rd Annual Floral Parade

The 73rd Annual Floral Parade, which concludes the Aloha Festivals, featured a colorful procession of Hawaiian culture through Waikiki. Intricate floats were decorated with a rainbow of fresh flowers, men and women on horseback showcased the traditional art of pau riding, and participants from marching bands to civic leaders displayed the unique aloha spirit that unites Hawaii’s community.

Aloha Festivals was first held in 1946 as Aloha Week, and over the past six decades has become a celebration of Hawaiian culture, integrating the traditions and cultures of the Islands through music, dance, cuisine and art.

Aloha Festivals is the largest Hawaiian cultural celebration in the U.S. In 1946, Aloha Festivals began as “Aloha Week,” a cultural celebration of Hawai‘i’s music, dance and history intended to perpetuate the islands’ unique traditions. A group of former Jaycees – known as the Jaycees Old-timers of Hawai‘i – had the vision to create a public celebration to honor Hawai‘i’s heritage.

In 1991, Aloha Week became Aloha Festivals. Aloha Festivals has become a statewide celebration of Hawaiian culture with major events on the island of O‘ahu. Thousands of volunteers work together each year to stage the events, which are attended by more than 100,000 people. Aloha Festivals is a community-supported event made possible through private donations, community sponsors, merchandise sales and appropriated funds from the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. As a 501(c)3 corporation, donations are tax deductible and welcomed.