Hawaiian Cultural Weekend

by Shelly Pelfrey
(Waikoloa, HI)

The Hawaiian Cultural Weekend carries on the colorful traditions begun with “Aloha Week” in the 1950’s that celebrate Hawaii’s unique history, music, style and cuisine.

Festivities kick off on Friday, September 2 at Waikoloa Beach Marriott, with the Ms. Aloha Nui Gala, giving big, bold, beautiful Big Island women the chance to shine, and share their “supersized” style and aloha in the spotlight. Contestants are evaluated on their presentation in casual and formal wear, poise, grace and talent.

On Saturday morning, “Hawaii’s Soul Food” takes the stage at Hilton Waikoloa Village during everybody’s favorite Poke Contest. In Hawaiian, poke means “to cut or dice” and poke the dish is a traditional pūpū made with bite-sized pieces of fish, creatively prepared and seasoned with worlds of ingredients and imagination. Both home cooks and top professional chefs compete against their peers for the championship, and after the judges announce the winners, the audience gets to taste too.

Then on Saturday night, the Clyde “Kindy” Sproat Falsetto & Storytelling Contest takes place at Hilton Waikoloa Village. Celebrating its 20th year, this unique folk music competition features the Island’s talented male singers of all ages, who lift their voice into the upper register and captivate the audience with the stories behind the songs.