Aloha Festivals is the largest Hawaiian cultural celebration in the United States. In 1946, Aloha Festivals began as "Aloha Week," a cultural celebration of Hawaii's music, dance, and history intended to perpetuate the Islands' unique traditions. A group of former Jaycees - known as the Jaycees Old-timers of Hawaii - had the vision to create a public celebration to honor Hawaii's heritage. In time, it became a statewide tradition.
In 1991, Aloha Week became Aloha Festivals. Aloha Festivals has become a statewide celebration of Hawaiian culture with major events on the island of Oahu. Thousands of volunteers work together each year to stage the events, which are attended by over 100,000 people. The festivals are funded through the sale of Aloha Festivals ribbons and merchandise, and via corporate and private donations. As a 501(c)3 corporation, donations are tax deductible and welcomed.