Mele on!
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
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Mele, anyone? With hula, too?
Ala Moana Center launches a five-Saturday Moonlight Mele Concert Series, beginning tonight, with free performances by Raiatea Helm and Nathan Aweau, Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning faves. They'll sing from 7 to 9 p.m. at Centerstage, joined by Halau I Ka Wekiu, led by kumu hula Karl "Vito" Baker and Michael "Lanakila" Casupang. The Aloha Festivals Royal Court will appear, too.
Future mele nights:
O'ahu's Aloha Festivals celebration officially begins Sept. 14, with a chant-and-hula event from 5 p.m. at 'Iolani Palace. The colorful Floral Parade, from 9 a.m. Sept. 15, assembles marching bands, pa'u riders and floats.
While the Waikiki Ho'olaulea continues from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Sept. 21 on Kalakaua Avenue, between Lewers Street and Kapahulu Avenue, the Downtown Ho'olaulea, a tradition for years, has been shelved. Instead, community celebrations — like the Aloha Festivals Kapolei Mele, from 5 p.m. Sept. 15 at Kapolei District Park — replaces the Downtown event. A Keiki Ho'olaulea, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 22 at Pearlridge Center, targets children.
An Aloha Festivals ribbon ($5) is suggested for participation; for sites selling the collectible wearable, visit www.alohafestivals.com.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
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