Festival of Aloha on the horizon

KOHALA COAST — Award-winning entertainers will join an array of crafters for Mauna Kea Resort’s fifth annual Festival of Aloha at Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel on Aug. 28.

Open to the community, the free, all-day, family-friendly event will feature live Hawaiian music, hula performances, keiki activities, food and craft booths, clothing and jewelry vendors beginning at 9:30 a.m.

The festival will welcome multi-Na Hoku Hanohano Award winners the Pandanus Club, Raiatea Helm, Ekolu Mea Nui and seven-time award winners The Mana’o Company. The emcee will be KAPA morning radio personality Ka’ea Lyons.

A special appearance by the Royal Court will kick off the day.

“Our entire team has really embraced Festival of Aloha. They look forward to pulling everything together and welcoming the community each year to enjoy great food, great entertainment and all the excellent vendors that help make this event successful,” said Tom Cross, Hotel Manager at Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel.

The event was created by Mauna Kea Resort’s Team Member Council as a way to continue the once vibrant statewide Aloha Festivals.

“Through Festival of Aloha at Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, team members on the festival committee are able to bring together many elements that are important to them and important to our community: music, food, crafts and artisans — all for free,” Vicky Kometani said, Mauna Kea Resort’s public relations director. “Furthermore, tying in donations to Hawaii Island Food Basket helps promote the ongoing needs of an important community non-profit organization that Mauna Kea Resort fully believes in supporting.”

Attendees are encouraged to come with canned food donations to support the Hawaii Island Food Basket.

Info: 880-1111