HONOLULU — One of the state’s most celebrated events, Aloha Festivals, returns for its 78th year with its three signature events in September.

“Aloha Festivals is a celebration by and for the people of Hawaii. It’s an opportunity for kamaʻāina to celebrate our history and traditions with ʻohana and friends,” said Debbie Nakanelua-Richards, co-chair of Aloha Festivals, in a release.

“At the same time, it offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a true cross section of Hawaii’s diverse culture and community. It is truly unlike any other event that happens all year,” Nakanelua-Richards said.

(Courtesy Aloha Festivals)

The events invite residents and visitors to join in the cultural celebration with this year’s theme of “ʻAʻa I Ka Hula” that comes from the Hawaiian proverb, “ʻAʻa i ka hula, waiho ka hilahila ma ka hale” – “When one wants to dance the hula, bashfulness should be left at home.” “ʻAʻa” means to be brave, to dare and to challenge.

The theme reflects hula’s history from being suppressed and being driven underground and reminds all of the resilience required to safeguard cultural treasures for future generations.

With this theme, Aloha Festivals pays tribute to the kūpuna who bravely preserved hula, the pioneers who shared it with the world and the contemporary practitioners who continue to pass on the art form, according to the release.

Aloha Festivals signature events:

Royal Court Investiture & Opening Ceremony - Sept. 7, 4-6 p.m. at Helumoa Gardens at The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort and The Royal Grove at Royal Hawaiian Center. The ceremony to honor Hawaii’s aliʻi (ruling chiefs) takes place at The Royal Hawaiian, as individuals selected to the Royal Court are given regalia worn only by the aliʻi of the highest rank at the Royal Court Investiture.

The Royal Court Investiture is the first event of Aloha Festivals. (Courtesy Aloha Festivals)

After the Investiture, the Opening Ceremony begins at adjacent Royal Hawaiian Center as the Royal Court performs hula and mele on the Centerstage. The Aloha Festivals Royal Court honors the royal legacy of Hawaii and ensures that the festival remains rooted in its most cherished traditions.

70th Annual Waikiki Hoʻolauleʻa - Sept. 21, 6-9:30 p.m. on Kalakaua Avenue. Hawaii’s premier block party welcomes a larger assortment of craft and cuisine vendors this year as over 100 booths showcase the state’s food, fashion, culture and four entertainment stages host live hula and music performances ranging from contemporary to traditional Hawaiian music.

This year's hoʻolauleʻa promises even more crafts, food and fun. (Courtesy Aloha Festivals)

76th Annual Floral Parade presented by Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach - Sept. 28, 9 a.m.-noon from Ala Moana Park along Kalakaua Avenue to Kapiolani Park. Hawaii’s diverse community and culture are well represented through a colorful and vibrant procession of floats, vehicles, pāʻū riders on horseback, various parade units and more.

For those unable to attend in-person, the floral parade will be broadcast live on KHII and KHON2.com, 10 a.m. to noon, Sept. 28, with rebroadcasts on KHII from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 29 and on KHON2 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 4.

Hawaii's people share their aloha as they make their way down Kalakaua Avenue in the floral parade. (Courtesy Aloha Festivals)

Sarah Yamanaka covers news and events for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.