On September 13, 2009, the aloha spirit will once again be alive and well in Seattle! Thousands of miles from our homelands, Seattle Center will be home to the 2^nd Annual Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival. The Festival vision first began with a meeting at Saimin Says in the Seattle suburb of Kent, convened by OHA leaders and Washington State Hawaiian community leaders. More than 7,500 Pacific Northwest Hawaiians and Hawaiians-at-heart enjoyed the 2008 Festival, and now, with a year under our belts, the Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival committee is proud to present an even bigger and better celebration!

Our FREE Festival will showcase two stages of entertainment highlighting traditional as well as contemporary Pacific Northwest musicians. Mahalo to those that performed last year and to those who are patiently waiting their turn to perform in years to come… with so many halau and musicians in the Pacific Northwest, we are trying our best to accommodate everyone! Entertainment on the Center House Stage will include Halau Hula `O Lono, Kaulele, Hokulani’s Hula Studio, Kaiāulu from Nānākuli, Hula `Ohana O Ke`alaileiha`aha`a & the Mix Plate Band, Nā Mele O Hawai`i and Olokani. The Outdoor Stage will feature Ke Kai Malino, the Seattle Ukulele Players Association, Elias Ka`uhane, Island Bound, Pacific Warning, and our headliner, Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winner Willie K!!

Festival cultural workshops include `Ohe Hano Ihu (bamboo nose flute making) and `Ohe Kāpala (bamboo stamping) hosted by the Kamehameha Schools. Other workshops include Hawaiian Quilting, Hula, Lei Making, Keiki Korner activities and the KS Distance Learning program. Rounding out our day we will showcase Hawaiian history exhibits and video documentaries as well as a session hosted by OHA and the OHA trustees.

Hawaiian craft vendors will be on site, and cannot forget the ono food sold by Ali`i & Sumo’s, Brad’s Plate Lunch and Pac Island Grill…and shave ice by Da Hula Hut!

With a grass-roots volunteer committee of hard-working community members, we raise money and spend countless hours planning this event. OHA’s generous sponsorship and participation also contributes to our success. Our talented Pacific Northwest Hawaiian musicians and workshop leaders also donate their time and talent to our Festival. At the end of the day, all of us volunteers and contributors walk away with mau pu`uwai piha (full hearts) because of the aloha that this event brings to every attendee and the greater Hawaiian community. Mahalo nui to all of you for your support. See you there!