Colors of Honolulu - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Honolulu, the capital of the paradise state of Hawaii, is primarily associated with "Aloha", hula dancing, Hawaiian ukulele guitar and, of course, surfing, which is a kind of local lifestyle. The 44th President of the United States and oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman were lucky to be born here in Honolulu. The local culture is multifaceted, and not least due to the fact that Japanese, Chinese, Filipino traditions are intertwined in the Hawaiian capital's history. Due to this diversity, many holidays of one or another ethnic group are celebrated here.

Locals are famous for their kindness and responsiveness. However, this couldn't work any other way - the nature itself makes them softer. Here there is quite a large gap between rich and poor people, but this absolutely does not prevent simple Hawaiians from living like in a paradise. Perhaps we all should learn such a relaxed attitude towards life from them. Material well-being is not really important for the local population; spiritual values are much more important here. Their main value is the family.

The language in the city is Hawaiian English, however, it won't be difficult to understand locals, since they speak traditional English with tourists. The Hawaiian cuisine's main products are fruits (pineapples, mangoes, bananas), coconuts, seafood, plants (taro, jicama, kemiri). Must-try local dishes include “Loko Moco” (white rice covered with a hamburger patty and fried eggs), “Lomi Salmon” (tomatoes and salmon salad), “Haupia” (banana-coconut pudding), “ Kulolo ”(taro with coconut or coconut milk). Hawaii is known as the birthplace of many alcoholic cocktails including Waikiki, Kava Kava, Lava Flow. Hawaiian beer and fruit wines are very popular. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The heavenly country cannot but please all its guests with fun festivals held in its capital. The most colorful and memorable event in the festival life of the city is the simple-named Honolulu Festival that falls on the beginning of March. Here you can witness picturesque parades, the opening of a handmade exhibition, theatrical performances, afterparty, local food tastings, and workshops. Despite its name, the festival is of Japanese origin, due to which it is visited by many people from the Land of the Rising Sun. Most events can be visited for free. The venues are Hawaii Convention Center, Kalakaua Avenue, and Waikiki Beach.

Another interesting festival is Okinawan Festival taking place in Kapiolani Park at the beginning of September. The fest has Japanese roots as well. During the event, you can look at costumed performances, learn one or another art of local culture at workshops, and, of course, have great fun - after all, this is what the festival is aimed at. Everyone feels happy during and after the festival. A rich program will not leave anyone indifferent, especially the smallest citizens who charge all the others with their positive energy.

In late September, Kakaako Waterfront Park becomes the venue for an event with an impressive name of Love Festival. This is where you can see people wearing traditional clothes of Hawaii, as well as hear all that is associated with it. This is the time of the real fun and love, which is in the air. There is also a gastronomic program prepared for visitors - at this time you can taste local dishes or have a picnic on your own while enjoying colorful Hawaiian dances.

Moiliili Summer Festival is another distinctive festival that falls on the beginning of hot July. This is a street festival dedicated to the so-called "bon dance", which aims to draw attention to the local culture, history, and businesses of the Moiliili community. The atmosphere at the festival is family-friendly, so many people like to attend this festival for the sake of getting unforgettable impressions and a powerful charge of positive energy. It's worth following their example if your vacation coincides with the time of the festival. The program includes gastronomic events, interactive games, workshops, as well as a special program for the little ones. The venue of the festival is University Ave & Coyne Street.

Waikiki Ho’olaule, or simply the Aloha Festival, is one of the region's most interesting festivals due to its distinctiveness. It is held in mid-September as a true Hawaiian party. Here you can learn what it means to be a Hawaiian. Of course, it does not do without traditional hula dancing, Hawaiian music, local cuisine, and fun spreading around Kalakaua Ave. The famous Pan-Pacific Festival taking place on the same Kalakaua Ave in early June is another event worthy of any traveler's attention. A rich program including tasting culinary delights, master classes, and consultations, as well as musical and theatrical performances - that's what awaits visitors who've decided to become part of the festival.

Ukulele Festival that is held on 3555 Harding Ave is a real celebration of music. Here you can hear the sound of traditional musical instruments. It is scheduled for the end of April. In addition, here you can learn to play music at master classes and buy some unique paraphernalia. The event is ideal for families, and not least because only fun reigns around. It would be interesting to visit such a gastronomic feast as the Hawaii Fishing & Seafood Festival, which is held in early October. Nico's Pier 38 is chosen as the venue. This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the local culture through tasting local dishes - that is, mixing business with pleasure.