Alfanet Marks First Official Participation in Aloha Festivals in Hawaii

Alfanet's First Official Participation in Aloha Festivals

In September 2025, Alfanet Inc., an event production firm based in Tokyo, made history as the first Japanese company to officially participate in the Aloha Festivals in Hawaii. This iconic cultural event, which boasts a legacy of 79 years, hosted over 100,000 attendees, highlighting its significance in celebrating Hawaiian traditions. Alfanet organized the special stage called “Japanese Hawaiʻi Friendship Stage” and the environmental initiative “Aloha Clean Day” from September 20-21, 2025.

The Japanese Hawaiʻi Friendship Stage

The chief event, the Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a, is hailed as the largest block party in Hawaii, where the Japanese Hawaiʻi Friendship Stage was set up. It kicked off on September 20 at 6 PM local time on Kalakaua Avenue. The opening ceremony was led by Kimo Kahoano, a renowned emcee famous for hosting the Merrie Monarch Festival. This traditional blessing set the tone for a night filled with rich cultural performances amid the stunning backdrop of Waikīkī Beach at sunset.

The event featured performances from the Kamehameha Schools Children’s Choir, who received thunderous applause from the audience. Internationally recognized in Japan, jewelry designer Maki’s halau, along with two children’s hula teams from Japan, took the stage, which showcased a beautiful fusion of local Hawaiian culture and Japanese aesthetics.

A highlight of the night included a collaborative performance by popular multi-talented local artist Sasha, leading a ukulele group from Nā Mea Kūpono Learning Center, creating a bridge of cultural exchange between Hawaiian and Japanese children through music and dance. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, further heightened by the arrival of blessed rain, known locally as “kuʻono,” bringing the audience together as they reveled in the moment. The Royal Parade’s arrival was met with a respectful silence, adding a layer of sanctity to the proceedings.

Key Stage Activities

The evening was filled with a variety of performances:

- The opening by Kimo Kahoano.
- Live music by Kamuela Kahoano, a winner of the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards.
- Performances from multiple halau including Hālau Hula Coco and Kēhau ʻOlu I Kakahiaka.
- A joint experience with the Nā Mea Kūpono Ukulele team featuring local Hawaiian children.

Aloha Clean Day

Following the festivities, on September 21, Alfanet led the “Aloha Clean Day” at Sherwood Beach, emphasizing responsible tourism and environmental awareness. Local volunteers and Japanese tourists joined forces under the initiative of Go Clean Hawaii to clean the beaches. Additionally, a workshop focused on creating art from microplastics collected was conducted, set to showcase children's works in a future exhibition.

In the spirit of community, Alfanet also invited the non-profit organization Touch A Heart which supports employment and independence for Hawaiian residents, fostering opportunities for collaboration and goodwill.

Cultural and Environmental Experiences

As a part of the “Aloha Clean Day,” participants including Sasha and collaborators offered Hawaiian children cultural and environmental experiences, providing insights into traditional lifestyles through hands-on activities in taro fields and natural spring water experiences. This initiative aligned with the theme of this year's festivals “Ko Kula Uka, Ko Kula Kai – People of the Mountains, People of the Sea,” reflecting the Hawaiian philosophy of mālama ʻāina, or respecting the land.

Alfanet's Vision and Commitment

This project represents Alfanet's first endeavor as a primary organizer and aims to promote cultural exchanges while emphasizing sustainability and diversity. The involvement in Aloha Festivals showcases their commitment to building new forms of international relations through shared passions.

Aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, particularly about sustaining cities, responsible consumption, and building partnerships, this initiative is a significant stride toward their corporate mission.

Alfanet's commitment to socially responsible projects will continue, along with esteemed partners like JTB, Itoen, and several other supporting organizations, ensuring an enduring impact on cultural enrichment and environmental sustainability on a global scale.

Alfanet views this remarkable project as a foundation for future initiatives, contributing to cultural exchange and sustainable futures worldwide.

For more information on Alfanet and their future projects, visit Alfanet Official Site.