We love Hawaiian culture. We love the brightly coloured flower leis, the easygoing atmosphere, the chilled music, and the fluid, rhythmic moves of the hula. And most all we love how everything seems to come accompanied by a great, big, aloha smile.
You can find the famous Hawaiian spirit in abundance at Honolulu’s annual Aloha Festivals. Every year for well over 60 years, throughout the month of September locals have celebrated the history and traditions of Hawaii with kamaʻāina (local residents) and malihini (visitors).
The Floral Parade One is one of the most beautiful of the festival’s events. During the cool of morning, dozens of horse-mounted Hawaiians wearing eye-catching traditional ensembles (flowing dresses and capes for the ladies, cowboy-style outfits for the gents) with matching floral leis and headdresses (men wear cowboy hats) parade elegantly from Ala Moana Park, along Kalakaua Avenue to Kapiolani Park. With them, comes a retina burning and eardrum busting cascade of floats and marching bands. Catching it is easy – it’s free to stand anywhere along the route.
This year’s Floral Parade took place on September 22 at 9am (HST). If you fancy seeing what it’s all about but can’t make it there in person, head over to the official live stream courtesy of Channel 808 or have a look at these pictures, courtesy of Aloha Festivals.
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…
