The mission of the Festivals of Aloha is to honor Native Hawaiian culture and traditions from generation to generation, as well as share them with visitors and people from the community.

In ancient Hawai’i, kahili were ceremonial feathered standards or long staffs decorated at one end with a cluster of feather plumes. Similar to the way nobility of Europe displayed their coat of arms on banners, Hawaiian attendants constructed sometimes elaborate feathered emblems to honor and spiritually protect high-ranking individuals.

Today, kahili not only hold a significant place in traditional regalia, they also reflect the deep aloha and respect the people had for their beloved royalty.