Heads up! If you’re planning on being in Waikīkī this or next weekend, there are a couple of large-scale events going on in connection with the Aloha Festival 2024. I’m sure some of you will want to check out these events, while others may want to avoid them or adjust their plans to minimize headaches while traveling to or from the airport.
The largest celebration of Hawaiian culture is making its return this weekend with the Aloha Festival 2024. Actually, things began earlier this month with the introduction of this year’s Aloha Festival Court back on September 7. But, of course, the main events are yet to come.
Aloha Festival 2024 Ho’olaule’a
I’m sure the event everyone looks forward to the most is the Aloha Festival 2024 Waikīkī Ho’olaule’a – basically, a huge block party along a portion of Kalākaua Ave featuring various vendors from around the state offering food, crafts, merchandise, and more. Live entertainment ranging from hula hālau to Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning artists is also featured. Unfortunately, though the event is coming up really soon, the line-up hasn’t been updated from last year.
What I can tell you is hat the Waikīkī Ho’olaule’a will be taking place on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 6 pm to 9:30 pm. However, those of you looking to avoid access disruptions will want to note that Kalākaua Ave is actually closing at 12 pm that day to allow time for setup, and likely won’t reopen until 1 am on Sunday, September 22, 2024.
The closure will begin at Seaside Ave, which is the street the Hyatt Centric Waikīkī is on, and extends to Kapahulu Ave, which is where the main drag through Waikīkī ends. Kuhio Ave will remain open, though it’s important to remember that Seaside Ave, Duke Lane, and Lili’uokalani Ave are both one-way in the mauka (towards the mountain) direction and are usually only accessible via Kalākaua. I’m not sure if police will allow access from Kuhio for those that need to reach hotels on these streets, but it’s something to be aware of.
Aside from the Hyatt Centric Waikīkī, other hotels on Seaside Ave include the Shoreline Waikīkī and Marine Surf Waikīkī. All of these hotels should be accessible Royal Hawaiian Ave and Lau’ula St or Waikolu Wy. The Outrigger Beachcomber on Kalākaua Ave and Duke Lane will likely be the most difficult to access during this time, which might make it necessary to park at the Hyatt Centric or International Market Place instead. Impacted guests may want to call the hotel to find out what accommodations are available to you. Lastly, the Alohilani Resort is on Lili’uokalani Ave, but they should be able to open access from Kuhio Ave.
Aloha Festival 2024 Floral Parade
The Saturday following the Ho’olaule’a, September 28, is the Aloha Festival 2024 Floral Parade. This signature event features marching bands, local artists, the Royal Guard, the Aloha Festival Court, and floral parade floats. The parade runs down Kalākaua Ave and is scheduled to run from 9 am to 12 pm. However, the City & County of Honolulu notes that road closures for the parade will begin at 8:30 am and could last through 1 pm.
The route of the parade begins at Ala Moana Park Ewa (West) entrance along Ala Moana Blvd and will follow that road until it turns onto Kalākaua Ave, on which it will remain until ending at the Waikīkī Shell/Queen Kap’iolani Park.
Though shorter, this closure will be more disruptive, as it shuts down the primary artery into Waikīkī in its entirety. So, be sure you plan accordingly, especially if you have a flight to catch!
Final thoughts
There you have it. Whether you plan on joining in on the celebrations or not, be aware of the upcoming Aloha Festival 2024 festivities and plan accordingly. I cannot tell you how insane traffic can get, even if your destination isn’t blocked by a road closure like these. But, if your destination or origination point is block, then things can be even more frustrating. That said, these are great events, and I encourage you to check them out if you’re able to.
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