Official Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival
Merchandise & Apparel
The Festival's theme "Aloha 'Āina" is powerfully captured in an original design by O'ahu artist Makaakinaalohilohi, who brings this deep Hawaiian concept to life through meaningful symbolism. At the design's center is a piko (umbilical cord/center point) with radiating concentric circles, representing our interconnectedness with each other and the land. The central stone symbolizes 'āina (land) as the foundation of Hawaiian cosmology and references the famous resistance song "Kaulana Nā Pua."
The design incorporates both koa leaves, representing the Hawaiian lāhui (nation/people) at home, and cedar needles, symbolizing those living in Washington state. These plants, both used in canoe-making, connect the communities across the ocean. Migratory creatures - koholā (whales) and kōlea (birds) - further symbolize the connection between Hawai'i and the Pacific Northwest, highlighting the natural patterns of departure and return.
The color palette carries deep cultural significance: gold/warm yellow represents 'ōlena (turmeric), rust/iron oxide red represents 'alaea (ochre earth), and white represents pa'akai (sea salt). These colors not only reflect the land but also reference traditional Hawaiian healing and ceremonial practices, emphasizing that aloha 'āina (love of the land) includes self-care, as we too are of the land.
This design weaves together concepts of connection, migration, healing, and the profound relationship between people and place that defines aloha 'āina.
The design incorporates both koa leaves, representing the Hawaiian lāhui (nation/people) at home, and cedar needles, symbolizing those living in Washington state. These plants, both used in canoe-making, connect the communities across the ocean. Migratory creatures - koholā (whales) and kōlea (birds) - further symbolize the connection between Hawai'i and the Pacific Northwest, highlighting the natural patterns of departure and return.
The color palette carries deep cultural significance: gold/warm yellow represents 'ōlena (turmeric), rust/iron oxide red represents 'alaea (ochre earth), and white represents pa'akai (sea salt). These colors not only reflect the land but also reference traditional Hawaiian healing and ceremonial practices, emphasizing that aloha 'āina (love of the land) includes self-care, as we too are of the land.
This design weaves together concepts of connection, migration, healing, and the profound relationship between people and place that defines aloha 'āina.