Aloha Festivals is the largest Hawaiian cultural celebration in the United States. In 1946, Aloha Festivals began as "Aloha Week," a cultural celebration of Hawaii's music, dance, and history intended to perpetuate the Islands' unique traditions. A group of former Jaycees - known as the Jaycees Old-timers of Hawaii - had the vision to create a public celebration to honor Hawaii's heritage. In time, it became a statewide tradition.
The mission of Aloha Festivals is "to foster the Aloha Spirit through the perpetuation of the Hawaiian culture and the celebration of the diverse customs and traditions of Hawaii." Aloha Festivals is funded through appropriated funds from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, corporate sponsorships, private donations, as well as through the sale of Aloha Festivals merchandise.
Willie K—born William Kahaialii and known affectionately as Uncle Willie in the islands—playing the blues marks the completion of a full circle. Although he has built a reputation as one of the foremost practitioners of native Hawaiian music over the years, it was the blues that Willie first learned from his dad, himself a highly respected musician. “My father was a great influence,” says Willie K. “He groomed me to be where I am today. He was just as diverse as I am—the guy knew how to play everything: jazz, blues and Hawaiian.”
